“We are very cautiously optimistic that, as we speak, supplies will begin to improve to the extent that pre-exposure needs for critical first responders are being met. There are plans afoot to meet the needs of secondary groups at risk in mid-August, such as veterinary schools,” Dr. Rupprecht said at the ACIP meeting.
He emphasized that there is no shortage at the moment. “While it may be perceived that there is an alleged shortage, what's being done very strictly now are things that mitigate against the [possibility] of a shortage. There are available supplies such that any folks [who] are truly exposed will be vaccinated and receive rabies immune globulin. We only expect things to improve, based upon information we have at this time.” There is currently no supply limitation with rabies immune globulin, although market changes in plasma collection could create an impact beyond 2009, he said.