Rabies shots in the U.S. vary significantly by species: a pet rabies vaccine typically costs between $15 and $75 at a clinic, while post-exposure treatment for humans often costs $1,200 to over $10,000, depending on insurance and hospital fees. Pre-exposure vaccination for humans is generally cheaper, costing roughly $950-$1,300 for the series.

How much do rabies shots cost?

Rabies vaccine prices vary significantly by species and need: for pets, it's typically $10–$75 per shot at low-cost clinics, but potentially more with exams. For humans, pre-exposure (preventative) shots cost hundreds of dollars ($800–$1,300 for the series), while post-exposure treatment after a bite can reach thousands ($2,500–$7,000 for the full protocol including immune globulin). 

Why are rabies shots so expensive for humans?

PEP is especially expensive because the immunoglobulin that's needed to curb the progress of the virus is derived from human blood, and therefore requires multiple careful screenings to ensure that it is free of disease.

Are rabies shots covered by insurance?

Many health insurance plans cover much of the rabies vaccine cost for humans and an injection of HRIG antibodies if treatment after suspected exposure is required. Pre-exposure rabies vaccine may not be covered by your health plan.

Is 7 days too late for rabies vaccine?

Even if you have been bitten a few days, weeks or months ago, it is never too late to start. The rabies virus can incubate for several years before it causes symptoms. If you wait until you get symptoms, it will be too late – there is no treatment for established rabies …

Hefty price: Human rabies treatment can come with crippling debt

Is a rabies shot worth it?

Yes. Pre-exposure prophylaxis vaccination is recommended for people who work directly with animals that could have rabies—such as veterinarians or wildlife workers—or for travelers visiting parts of the world where the disease is common and access to emergency medical care is limited.

Does Walgreens do rabies shots?

Schedule your vaccine today. Vaccines offered at Walgreens vary by state, age and health conditions. Talk to your local pharmacist about availability.

How much is the vaccine for rabies?

Rabies vaccine prices vary significantly by species and need: for pets, it's typically $10–$75 per shot at low-cost clinics, but potentially more with exams. For humans, pre-exposure (preventative) shots cost hundreds of dollars ($800–$1,300 for the series), while post-exposure treatment after a bite can reach thousands ($2,500–$7,000 for the full protocol including immune globulin). 

What is the 10 day rule for rabies?

The 10-day observation period for a biting dog, cat, or ferret is a standard public health practice to determine rabies risk: if the animal remains healthy for 10 days after biting someone, it wasn't shedding the rabies virus in its saliva at the time of the bite, meaning the exposed person usually doesn't need rabies post-exposure shots (PEP). This quarantine ensures the animal is available for monitoring, preventing unnecessary euthanasia for brain testing and avoiding expensive PEP for the bite victim if the animal stays healthy.
 

What are the first signs of rabies?

Early rabies symptoms often mimic the flu (fever, headache, weakness) plus tingling/itching at the bite site, followed by anxiety, confusion, and difficulty swallowing, which progresses to delirium, paralysis, coma, and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prompt treatment crucial.
 

Are rabies shots given in the belly button?

No, the rabies vaccine has not been given in the stomach since the 1980s. For adults, it should only be given in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm (administration to the gluteal area is NOT recommended, as studies have shown this can result in a less effective immune response).

Who pays for rabies shots?

California's strict liability laws are designed to protect victims, and dog owners are generally responsible for the medical care their animals make necessary, including the evaluation and treatment for possible rabies exposure.

Why is rabies so rare in the US?

Due to pet vaccination, animal control programs, surveillance, testing, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), human rabies is rare in the US. Although human fatalities are rare in the US, rabies is almost always fatal for people who do not seek prompt medical care.

How can I avoid getting rabies?

Avoid exposure to potentially rabid animals. All mammals can carry rabies,2 but wildlife accounts for >90% of rabid animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says to especially avoid contact with bats, which have caused 62 out of 89 (70%) human rabies cases in the U.S. since 1960.

Can you check if you have rabies?

Several tests are necessary to diagnose rabies antemortem (before death) in humans; no single test is sufficient. Tests are performed on samples of saliva, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and nuchal skin biopsies.

How long can rabies stay dormant in humans?

The incubation period in humans is typically between 20 and 90 days, although incubation periods as short as 4 days and longer than 6 years have been documented.

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