Rabies Vaccine Disposition: Trends in Vaccination Among Israeli Travelers

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Travelers are a risk-group for rabies; however, few are protected. We describe changes in pre-travel vaccination rates and post-travel referrals after animal contact. We conducted a nationwide, retrospective study for 2014–2018. The ratio of rabies vaccine courses distributed to travelers and the number of Israeli-tourist-entries to endemic countries was calculated, as was the proportion of travelers referred to a post-travel clinic after animal contact. During the study period, the ratio of pre-travel vaccine courses distributed nationally to outgoing tourism to endemic countries was stable at ≈0.7%; 13% of 256,969 pre-travel consultations included recommendation for rabies vaccination. Backpackers were more likely to be immunized (40.2%) than business travelers (4.4%) or travelers planning organized/high-end travel (2.0%). However, rates of rabies vaccination among backpackers showed a decline during the study period. Post-travel referrals after animal contact were stable at 2% of all referrals; most were exposed in Asia (69.5%) and 51% were bitten by dogs. Only 38% received post-exposure prophylaxis abroad. We conclude that only a minority of Israeli travelers, including backpackers, receive rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis. The proportion of travelers with potentially rabid animal contact is not decreasing; however, many exposed travelers do not receive post-exposure prophylaxis during travel. Because rabies control programs have been compromised in endemic countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to provide rabies protection to travelers has become more urgent. After the ACIP’s adoption of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2-dose regimen, a revision of current vaccine guidelines is required to provide a simplified, more inclusive rabies vaccine policy.