There is currently a decreased supply of rabies immune globulin (RIG) and rabies vaccine in B.C.
There is currently a decreased supply of rabies immune globulin (RIG) and rabies vaccine in B.C. To extend the supply of these rabies biologics, the province has moved to a dose-sparing strategy for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (RPEP).
This update summarizes new evidence-based interim measures that are effective immediately across Fraser Health.
These recommendations are aligned with the provincial RPEP Interim Guidance issued on August 11, 2026, and supplement the Fraser Health Medical Health Officer update issued on May 4, 2026, on managing possible rabies exposures.
As a reminder, all RPEP provision requires MHO approval.
Prompt wound cleaning is extremely important. Cleanse the wound or exposed area with mild soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Application of iodine or alcohol-based topical disinfectants may further reduce viral load.
RIG
Once RPEP has been approved, the MHO may recommend using RIG in one of the following ways:
1. Dose-sparing infiltration only (most RPEP scenarios)
- Infiltrate the wound or exposed area when there was direct, unprotected contact with a bat, using as much as anatomically possible while avoiding the risk of compartment syndrome.
- Estimate the volume of RIG needed for local infiltration and order the appropriate number of vials.
- If you have questions, contact Fraser Health Public Health at 1-866-990-9941 (option 2), weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to speak with a Communicable Disease Environmental Health Officer.
- After hours (evenings, weekends and statutory holidays), contact the on-call MHO at 604-527-4806.
- Do not inject the remainder of the ordered RIG into the muscle after the wound or exposed site has been infiltrated. If the appropriate number of vials has been ordered for local infiltration, there should be no unopened vials remaining.
2. Full weight-based dose
- Infiltration and intramuscular administration for situations where passive immunity may be particularly important (e.g., confirmed bat bite to the head or neck region).
- Intramuscular administration only for certain situations where passive immunity may be particularly important, but there is no wound or known area of contact for local infiltration.
Rabies vaccine
- At this time, Emergency Departments and Urgent and Primary Care Centres will continue to provide intramuscular (IM) administration of rabies vaccine. This may change depending on the supply situation.
- Public Health Units, however, will switch to intradermal administration as the preferred route for immunocompetent individuals in order to conserve vaccine supply. This requires less vaccine volume and is equally effective as IM administration of rabies vaccine for RPEP.
This dose-sparing strategy will help ensure that RPEP continues to be available in B.C. during heightened demand. BCCDC is working to secure additional rabies vaccine and RIG supply.
Further updates will be communicated if supply conditions or recommendations change.