Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
People may be exposed to rabies and other lyssaviruses through animal scratches or bites, or by direct contact of mucosal surfaces with infected saliva.
Exposure can be from:
- Terrestrial (land-dwelling) mammals in an overseas country with rabies
- Bats anywhere in the world (including Australia)
Anyone who has potentially been exposed should receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with rabies vaccine. In some cases, rabies immunoglobulin is also required. Recommendations are provided in the Rabies and other Lyssaviruses chapter in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
If you are unsure if your patient has had a potential rabies or lyssavirus exposure, contact Boorloo PHU urgently by phone.
Free vaccine and immunoglobulin are provided by WA Health for rabies PEP and require approval from public health.
Members of the public potentially exposed to rabies should seek urgent medical attention.
Boorloo PHU can provide advice to health care providers and the public on accessing rabies PEP if required (including if a rabies PEP course has been started overseas).
1. Assess exposure
- Apply first aid and wound management as required. Consider tetanus and other infections.
- Collect details about exposure, rabies vaccinations, and patient (see online form below).
2. Complete online exposure form*
Complete form while patient at clinic
| In office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (excluding public holidays) |
Public Health will review submitted forms. After submitting form, call Borrloo PHU on 1300 623 292 to discuss your patient's rabies PEP requirements. |
| Outside office hours | Online form is not monitored outside of business hours. You MUST also call the on-call Public Health Physician on 1800 434 122 |
3. Public Health approves PEP use
- Public Health communicates approval and recommended PEP plan (by phone and email) and organises stock delivery**
4. Administer PEP
- Communicate plan to patient and provide written patient information
- Prior to administration, read Administration of rabies vaccine and HRIG for PEP (PDF).
*Online exposure form is only for PERTH area. Outside metro Perth, contact your local public health unit.
**If governemnt stock held on site, PEP can be given following public health approval over the phone.
Additional resources for health professionals
Administration of rabies vaccine and HRIG for post-exposure prophylaxis (PDF)
Australian Immunisation Handbook- Rabies and other lyssaviruses (external site)
Rabies and other lyssavirus – CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units (external site)
Rabies and other lyssaviruses (including Australian bat lyssavirus) (external site)
Rabies and lyssavirus - consumer information (external site)