2023-10-12 08:00:00
Travelers Vaccinated Against Rabies with One Shot have Equal Protection, Study Finds
Leiden, Netherlands – In a groundbreaking study, the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) has discovered that travelers who receive a single vaccination against rabies are just as well protected as those who undergo the current two-shot regimen. This finding is especially significant as vaccine shortages continue to plague manufacturers, causing supply problems. Additionally, this discovery not only saves travelers time but also reduces costs associated with the vaccine.
With approximately 59,000 deaths occurring each year, rabies is considered the deadliest viral disease globally. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected mammals including dogs, cats, and bats. In the event of being bitten or scratched by an animal, vaccinations are required for treatment.
The LUMC study has now demonstrated that a single injection provides the same level of protective immunity in preventive vaccine schedules compared to the current regimen of two injections. Research leader and infectious diseases professor Leo Visser stated, “Even with just one injection, powerful protection of the immune system is built up. We hope that this will encourage more people to be preventively vaccinated against rabies before their tropical holiday,” he added. Currently, vaccine shortages and high costs hinder many individuals from obtaining the necessary preventive vaccination, which can cost more than 150 euros for a series of two injections.
While the risk of contracting rabies is relatively low in the Netherlands, the situation is quite different in other countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. On average, one in 300 travelers per month sustains a bite wound abroad. By vaccinating before their trip, travelers equip their bodies to combat the rabies virus even after receiving subsequent injections.
Although the benefits of the single-shot vaccination are evident, the implementation of a new vaccination schedule has yet to be determined. The shorter regimen must first be incorporated into official guidelines before it can be widely adopted. This development, however, raises hope for a more accessible and cost-effective preventive measure for individuals traveling to regions with a higher risk of rabies exposure.
National Healthcare Guide]
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