Immunogenicity study of abbreviated rabies preexposure vaccination schedules.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate abbreviated preexposure rabies vaccination schedules that would reduce cost and shorten time required for completion. METHOD A random prospective immunogenicity study, using a group of 96 volunteer preclinical veterinary students, primary school children, and hospital-based health care workers. They were divided into six groups and administered abbreviated schedules of preexposure tissue culture rabies vaccines. Neutralizing antibodies were determined on days 0 and 360, and following boosters on days 367 and 374. RESULTS All subjects, including one group that received only 0.1 mL intradermally at two sites on one day, had detectable neutralizing antibody titers 1 year later and responded with an accelerated antibody response when given booster injections. CONCLUSION It might be possible to develop a 1-week and even one clinic visit preexposure vaccine schedule that would provide at least 1 year of immune memory.