Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccinations - PPVM Students
Rabies exposures are an almost everyday consideration for all veterinarians, but rural veterinarians (practicing where wildlife encounters are more common) in South 啵啵直播秀 and the surrounding region (where rabies is endemic in skunks) should be particularly vigilant. Fortunately, safe and effective preexposure prophylaxis against rabies is available. Rabies protection should begin in veterinary school and be monitored throughout a veterinarian鈥檚 professional career.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination does not preclude the need for treatments (2 booster vaccine doses) following a rabies exposure. It does, however, eliminate the need for expensive rabies immunoglobulin and decreases the number of vaccine doses needed, should an exposure occur. Pre-exposure vaccine also may provide protection against unrecognized exposures to rabies.
In concert with , the SDSU PPVM requires veterinary students to complete the 3-dose pre-exposure rabies vaccination series in accordance with CDC guidelines and classification (鈥渆levated, sustained risk over 3 years鈥) prior to the start of the fall semester. This will ensure students are able to participate fully in all future hands-on learning activities.
A 3-dose series is required, with the first two doses administered on Day 0 and Day 7, and the third dose must be administered on or after Day 21 and no later than the first day of classes. The vaccinations will be billed to your individual health insurance; reach out to your provider to find out coverage details. Failure to provide proof of rabies vaccination by the end of the year one fall semester will result in a hold being placed on their record which would bar further enrollment until compliance is met.
The University of Minnesota requires veterinary students, during the fall of their third year, to submit rabies titer testing results (and proof of booster if necessary) prior to clinical rotations.
Students with immunocompromising conditions or taking immunosuppressive medications should consult the SDSU PPVM coordinator. If possible, vaccination and activities placing the individual at risk for exposure should be postponed. If not, serologic testing immediately following the vaccine series may be indicated.
All questions and special circumstances regarding rabies vaccinations and requirements should be raised with the SDSU PPVM coordinator as soon as they become apparent.
