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Comment by admiral33 | Hacker News Reader

Why can't we just get the vaccine before exposure? I'm sure there's a good reason just curious

You can, especially if traveling to a region where it’s endemic and common. I got the series at a Kaiser travel clinic just by asking when I was planning out a long international trip. You still need post-exposure shots, though fewer (and maybe no immune globulin, if I remember correctly).

There is an mRNA prophylactic version in clinical trials:

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03713086

The rabies vaccine needs fairly frequent renewal (more than once a year). People likely to contract it (vets, pest control, zookeepers, etc) get them. Others get post exposure treatment that is very effective.

This isn't accurate. It may need frequent renewal, which is why most professionals get titers regularly to test for immunity.

Most vets I know have only ever had one or two doses per decade.

People who work with bats or are otherwise at risk of coming in contact with rabies are actually getting the vaccination like they get others (note: in Germany).

I bet you could make a lot of money advertizing an elective rabies vaccine to people searching for rabies on YouTube. They might not ultimately need it, but if they're willing to pony up some money for peace of mind, why not?

If it only affects 2-3 people per year in the US, then is it worth it?

Might it not be better to reduce rabies in wildlife, or spend the money on other kinds of vaccinations?

It effects ~50,000 people per year (in the US). It fails a couple.

I guess there is a lot to account for when you start talking about preventative vaccination instead of post exposure vaccination.

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