Rabies vaccination/info

[calvin]

Got the 1st in a series of 3 today. Learned a few things, too:

(1) After exposure..."At first there might not be any symptoms. But weeks or even YEARS after a bite, rabies can cause pain, fatigue, headaches, fever and irritability. These symptoms are followed by seizures, hallucinations and paralysis. Rabies is almost always fatal".

(2) A vaccination (these days) consists of a series of 3 shots (day1, day 7 and day 21 or 28). The series of shots, post exposure, (if you have not been vaccinated) is a 5 shot deal that I have been told is not covered by insurance....about $1,500. The pre exposure vaccination (at least with my insurance company) was covered 100% but I will be billed for the first office visit...no biggie.

Once vaccinated, it is still encouraged to keep the vaccination at a certain level within the body (tite?). This is done with routine blood work to check for vaccination levels (recommended every 6 mos to 2 years). Once blood work is done and level determined, they then give you a booster...depending on your levels..to bring you back up to "x" amount. If you have an exposure (post vaccination), its also recommended that you get another 2 shot booster. Clear as mud?

[calvin]

I was hoping for a response from you, Bob. Yeah, I suspect the medical field tosses in as many office visits, etc as they can (I needed an "office visit" for the shot...even my insurance didn't think that was needed...and it wasn't. Two second vaccine poke.

I got the impression that this vaccine filtered out of the body over time and you needed to keep it at a normal level to work effectively. I suppose this changes from person to person. Also, your saying that dealing with rabid animals will boost your levels?

[gregh]

Just received a booster this morning.
I get my blood checked every year and in 16 years this is the second time I have needed the booster.
Greg

[michaelweese]

i got vaccinated last year, think i'll go to the indian hospital and have them check them levels anyway.

[kellysmith]

When the vaccine is given it produces antibodies that don't filter out of your body, over time the antibody level in your body drops. It all depends on the individual how long after the initial vaccine a booster is needed. Some immunities stay in your body forever (chickenpox) but some only last a few years.
The insurance will pay for it... but it is like chasing a rabbit down a hole, if you look in your policy under "extra" you should see special clauses. On almost all insurances there is a place that talks about people who are in regular exposure to rabid animals or possible rabid animals can be covered.

[northof50]

Welcome to the forum it is always good to see a researcher put forth the facts.
Bob are you going to catch a few skunks samples for Kelly?
Lets have a 1080--vs-- Wendt race who can get 100 samlpes to Kelly first..forget the yotes they are too easy.

[kellysmith]

Actually I have gotten the collecting down to around 5 minutes give or take. I send the tubes that have a soap preservative in them and are stored at room temperature making it a little more convenient, and when you skin (assuming you do) you already have the knife in hand all it takes is to stuff a tiny piece of tissue into the vial off of your knife or the leg or tongue or any other tissue area. I am glad to be making connections between the trapping and scientific, a process vital to helping people understand.

Thanks for the welcome Dreamweaver, I am actually working with a trapper in Canada the skunk season is very different there!

[sRc]

Bob please clarify . . . i had the postexposure a few years back--about 5 if I remember right. Do I need to have a titre and a booster, or are you saying it's not necessary??