Epidemiology updated.  Rabies prone exposure assessment advice removed and external links proivded to NHPO Guidelines on Post-exposure Assessment and Treatment of Rabies-prone Exposures.  

Rabies post exposure prophylaxis vaccine recommendations updated for unvaccinated immunocompetent, previously vaccinated immunocompentent and immunocompromised individuals to reflect NIAC’s December 2025 updated recommendations.  

New Table 18.2, Immunocompromised individuals who may not mount an appropriate response to rabies vaccine.  

New Tables 18.3, 18.4 and 18.5, Rabies vaccine schedules for post exposure prophylaxis.  

Updated detail on timing and delivery of post exposure prophylaxis.   Updated detail on vaccine interchangeability.  

Minor formatting changes to align with house style.

Chapter has been updated to provide contact details and information on where to get advice. Update that only one rabies vaccine is licensed in Ireland. Formatting updates were also applied. 

No further content changes or recommendation changes were made to this chapter.

Guidance on post exposure risk assessment and treatment is currently under review. For clinical guidance please refer to the HPSC website.