Toronto Public Health has announced that it is preserving rabies vaccines due to a shortage of the vaccine in Ontario.
The health agency instructed doctors on January 16 to begin conserving the city’s remaining vaccine supply. This means that only individuals who have been directly exposed to bats or other wild animals will be eligible to receive the rabies vaccine.
The vaccine doses will also be adjusted. Instead of the usual four doses, only two will be administered, with the remaining doses to be given once supplies become sufficient.
According to Health Canada’s website, two rabies vaccine doses are approved in Canada, and both have faced shortages in recent months. Health Canada monitors the vaccine supply.
The shortage has been attributed to increased demand. Additionally, a supply delay has affected Imovax Rabies, a vaccine produced by Sanofi Pasteur. This shortage began in June, and Health Canada expects the issue to be resolved this month.
Toronto Public Health’s Associate Medical Officer, Dr. Howard Shapiro, stated that this eligibility change will help extend the city’s limited vaccine supply during this period of scarcity. The agency is actively working with its healthcare provider network, informing them about the change, and waiting for further updates from Ontario’s Ministry of Health regarding vaccine resupply timelines.
Toronto Public Health also noted that there is no information yet on when additional supplies will be provided by the Ministry of Health.
Rabies cases in Canada are rare. However, humans can contract the virus through bites from infected animals. Symptoms of rabies include confusion and difficulty breathing, which can appear between two to eight weeks after exposure.
