Immunization Procedures
Rabies Immunization:
Rabies vaccine for Pre-exposure is available free-of-charge for the following groups according to the Manitoba Health Eligibility Criteria. The Safety Office strongly recommends registering for Rabies Pre-Exposure Immunization and Monitoring to individuals with occupational risks as follows:
- Veterinarians and veterinarian assistants
- Individual working with injured wild life
- Laboratory and field personal working with rabies
- Zoologist or other individuals working with rabies endemic countries
Rabies is a viral disease of mammals and most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal like a raccoon, skunk, bat and fox. It is a vaccine preventable disease. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system causing inflammation of the brain and can lead to death. The early symptoms are fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, difficulty in swallowing etc.
Manitoba Health provides pre-exposure rabies vaccine free-of-charge to individuals who meet provincial immunization program eligibility criteria and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) offers an ID Rabies Pre-Exposure Immunization and Monitoring program for all eligible individuals that includes:
- Coordinated reminders for serological testing
- Monitoring and reviewing of titres and
- Based on titre results, determine the need for a booster or date for next titre
The Safety Office needs to provide a complete list of employees to WRHA who are in need of primary pre-exposure immunization series or who are currently enrolled in the rabies pre-exposure ID program.
Individuals who require rabies immunization or who are currently enrolled in the rabies pre-exposure ID program need to contact the Safety Office by email at safety@uwinnipeg.ca with the following information.
- Home Mailing address
- Department
- Work phone number
- Work role (reason for Rabies Pre-Exposure Immunization and Monitoring Program)
- Personal contact phone number (home or cell where a phone message can be left)
- Requirement: Require primary pre-exposure immunization series vs. previously enrolled in the rabies pre-exposure ID program through either through University of Manitoba or University of Winnipeg Health Klinic.
Employees who need primary series will be contacted by telephone to set up an appointment for immunization at the WRHA clinic. All others who are currently enrolled in the program and in need of serological testing to confirm titre levels will be contacted by mail.
If you have any questions regarding the Rabies Post Exposure Protocol program please contact Safety Office at 204-786-9894.
Influenza Immunizations
The Klinic provides this service. To obtain the service, call the Klinic to make an appointment.
Other type of Immunizations:
Immunizations will be dependent on the risks associated with the occupation. Contact safety@uwinnipeg.ca with any questions you may have concerning the risks and the need for immunization.