Health Canada has received a new rabies vaccine shipment as Ontario faces a shortage and rising demand following a tragic incident.
Toronto: Health Canada just got a shipment of rabies vaccines, which is great news since Ontario has been running low. The city has been rationing doses because of a spike in demand.
This surge in interest comes after a heartbreaking incident last fall when a child in Ontario died after coming into contact with a bat. It’s the first case of rabies acquired in the province since 1967, and it really shook everyone up.
There are two rabies vaccines approved in Canada: RabAvert and Imovax Rabies. Both have faced shortages lately. RabAvert is seeing a rise in demand, while Imovax is dealing with some packaging delays from its factory in France.
Toronto Public Health has noticed more people wanting the vaccine since that tragic event. Health experts are urging anyone who might have been exposed to seek medical help, even if they don’t have any visible bites or scratches. Rabies can spread easily, so it’s better to be safe.
Last Friday, health officials in Toronto told doctors to save the remaining doses for those at high risk of exposure to bats and wild animals. Meanwhile, Ontario’s health ministry is working with federal partners to get more doses, while other provinces report they have enough supply.
Health Canada confirmed it received 32,000 doses of Imovax from Sanofi Pasteur and is currently checking to ensure they meet safety standards. A shortage of RabAvert is expected to end by February 14.
Karinne Lacombe from Bavarian Nordic mentioned that many people, understandably worried about rabies, are seeking vaccines even if they haven’t been exposed. Rabies is a serious viral infection that can be prevented with timely vaccination.
Toronto public health officials will continue their strict eligibility criteria for the vaccine until further notice, focusing on those with high-risk exposures. It’s a tough situation, but safety comes first.
