RabAvert

Indicated For

rabies prevention, pre-exposure prophylaxis, post-exposure prophylaxis

About This Medication

# RabAvert Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get RabAvert at Low or No Cost RabAvert is a vital rabies vaccine used to prevent rabies infection before or after potential exposure, and the **RabAvert Patient Assistance Program** from **Bavarian Nordic** helps eligible uninsured patients with financial need access it for free by shipping it to their doctor's office.[1][5] ## About RabAvert RabAvert (rabies vaccine) is approved by the FDA for **pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)**—to protect people at high risk like veterinarians, travelers to rabies-endemic areas, or lab workers—and **post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)** after a bite or scratch from a potentially rabid animal.[2][3][8] It's suitable for all age groups, from infants to adults.[2][3][8] Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, so immediate vaccination after exposure is critical—seek care right away if bitten by a bat, dog, raccoon, or other suspect animal.[2][3] The vaccine works by training your immune system to fight the rabies virus. A typical PEP course involves four doses over 14 days, often with rabies immune globulin.[2] For PrEP, it's three doses over 21-28 days.[2] **Common side effects** include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, headache, fatigue, or mild fever. Serious reactions are rare but report any severe allergy history (like to eggs or gelatin) to your doctor—RabAvert may not be suitable, though it's often used in emergencies since rabies is deadly.[2][3][4] Immunocompromised patients may need antibody testing post-vaccination.[2][3] Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice, and report side effects to Bavarian Nordic at 1-844-4BAVARIAN or VAERS at 1-800-822-7967.[2][3] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? The program is for **U.S. citizens or legal residents** who: - Have **no medical insurance** (private, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.).[1][5] - Can **demonstrate financial need** through proof of income.[1][5] No specific income thresholds like Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentages are listed—eligibility focuses on showing you can't afford the vaccine.[1] Anyone suspecting rabies exposure qualifies if they meet these criteria, as treatment must start urgently.[1] **Note:** Some sources suggest Bavarian Nordic may not currently offer this program (as of 2024), but RxHope lists it as active with legacy details—call (800) 589-0837 to verify.[1][7] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Specific household size limits aren't provided; approval is based on financial need assessment.[1] Submit proof like tax returns or pay stubs.[1][5] | Household Type | Income Threshold | Notes | |---------------|------------------|-------| | Individual | Demonstrate financial need | No fixed FPL % listed[1] | | Couple | Demonstrate financial need | Case-by-case review[1] | | Family of 3 | Demonstrate financial need | Include dependents on form[5] | | Family of 4+ | Demonstrate financial need | Proof for all household income[1][5] | Physicians help determine need during screening.[1] ## Insurance Requirements **No medical insurance** is required—no private plans, Medicare, Medicaid, VA, CHAMPUS, or state programs.[1][5] If you have any coverage, you're ineligible.[1] Provide proof if applicable (e.g., insurance card front/back if denying coverage).[5] Federal/state-only coverage may still disqualify you.[5] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Contact the program by phone**: Call **(800) 589-0837** to initiate—anyone can start this.[1] An **initial screening** checks basic eligibility before sending the application to your provider.[1] 2. **Get the application**: It's available online at RxHope (printable PDF) or sent after screening.[1][5] Your doctor completes **Section 3** (number of vials needed, shipped to their office).[5] 3. **Gather documents**: - **Proof of income** (tax form, pay stubs, or complete income section if no taxes filed).[1][5] - **Proof of no insurance** (statement or cards if applicable).[1][5] - **Signed application** by patient and physician.[1][5] 4. **Submit**: Fax to (513) 618-0056 or mail to PO Box 42886, Cincinnati, OH 45242.[1] Do this **before completing RabAvert treatment**—urgency is key for exposures.[1] 5. **Physician role**: They request supply 'as needed' and receive shipment.[1][5] Physicians can apply online via RxHope.[5] ## Timeline and Delivery **Processing time**: As requested by physician—aim for quick turnaround, especially for PEP where delays can be fatal.[1][2] Complete and return application promptly before treatment ends.[1] Medication ships **directly to the physician’s office** for administration—not to patients.[1][5] Expect supply based on your regimen (e.g., 4-5 vials for PEP).[5] ## Alternatives if Denied or No Program Available - **Verify status**: Call Bavarian Nordic at 1-844-4BAVARIAN as some info says no current PAP.[7] - **Other vaccines**: Imovax (Sanofi) has a program—call 1-888-847-4877 if eligible.[1] - **State/local health departments**: Often cover rabies PEP for uninsured—contact your health department. - **ER/hospital assistance**: Public hospitals may provide free under EMTALA for emergencies. - **NeedyMeds/RxHope**: Search for updates or general vaccine aid. - No biosimilars listed.[provided] ## Important Disclaimer This guide uses available data (some from 2015 via RxHope); programs change—**always call (800) 589-0837 or Bavarian Nordic to confirm eligibility and details**.[1][7] Not medical advice—consult your doctor. Rabies is life-threatening; seek immediate care post-exposure regardless. Bavarian Nordic not liable for guide info.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026