IMOVAX RABIES
Rabies virus, inactivated (human diploid cell)
2.5 IU / vial · powder for suspension · intramuscular · any age
Rabies
Rabies (before exposure)
IMOVAX RABIES · RABAVERT
Three doses over 3 to 4 weeks. Every product below is a Health Canada authorized vaccine; every schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
- Products
- 2
- Dose schedules
- 2
- Guidance checked
- 2026-09-27
Authorized products
Brand names and DINs (Drug Identification Numbers) as Health Canada's Drug Product Database lists them. The product monograph is the manufacturer's full prescribing information approved by Health Canada.
RABAVERT
Rabies virus, inactivated (purified chick embryo cell)
2.5 IU / 1 mL · powder for solution · intramuscular · any age
Before and after vaccination
- Bring your immunization record so earlier doses can be checked.
- Discuss a serious reaction to a previous vaccine, relevant health conditions, medicines and allergies before receiving a dose.
- After vaccination, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes and report feeling faint or signs of an allergic reaction right away.
- Keep the vaccine name, date and dose in your immunization record.
Based on the Canadian Immunization Guide's administration practices and acute reactions guidance.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Pregnancy
After an exposure, treatment is always given. Pre-exposure vaccination is deferred unless the risk during pregnancy is increased.
Breastfeeding
Use if indicated.
Source: Immunization in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Canadian Immunization Guide — Chapter updated August 2026. Live vaccines are generally contraindicated in pregnancy; routinely recommended vaccines can be given while breastfeeding unless the chapter says otherwise.
How many doses
The schedules the Canadian Immunization Guide describes for this vaccine. Which one applies depends on age, health and product — use the dose planner to see the dates for your situation.
Rabies before exposure — three doses (days 0, 7 and 21 to 28)
3 dosesThree doses over 3 to 4 weeks for people at high risk of rabies exposure.
Pre-exposure series for very-high-risk and high-risk groups (laboratory workers, veterinarians, animal control, travellers to high-risk areas with limited access to care): days 0, 7 and 21 to 28. Moderate-risk people may use a two-dose day 0 and day 7 to 28 schedule. This is not the schedule after an animal bite.
ProductsIMOVAX RABIESRABAVERT
Rabies before exposure — weakened immune system, three doses plus blood test
3 dosesThree doses on days 0, 7 and 21 to 28, with a blood test 2 to 4 weeks after the series.
Immunocompromised people in any risk group receive the full three-dose pre-exposure series on days 0, 7 and 21 to 28. A blood test 2 to 4 weeks after the series is mandatory; extra doses may be needed if the antibody level is inadequate.
ProductsIMOVAX RABIESRABAVERT
References and product information
- Rabies vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide — Chapter revised January 2015 · partial update April 2026
- Vaccine administration practices: Canadian Immunization Guide
- Anaphylaxis and other acute reactions: Canadian Immunization Guide
- Health Canada Drug Product Database — product records and monographs
- Pharmasist vaccine reference: IMOVAX RABIES
Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27. General information from public Canadian guidance; a personal assessment is needed for treatment decisions. Care365 does not decide whether a vaccine is publicly funded in Ontario.