Alternatives to RabAvert if You Can't Fill Your Prescription

If you need rabies prophylaxis and RabAvert isn't available at your location, you're not without options. The United States has two FDA-approved human rabies vaccines, and they are considered clinically interchangeable. There are also immune globulin products used alongside vaccination for post-exposure cases. This guide walks through what those alternatives are, how they compare, and when each is appropriate.

The Primary Alternative: Imovax (HDCV)

Imovax Rabies (human diploid cell vaccine, or HDCV) is the only other FDA-approved rabies vaccine for human use in the United States. It is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur and is available in the same 1 mL intramuscular dose format as RabAvert.

According to the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Imovax and RabAvert are interchangeable — meaning:

• You can use either one to complete a pre-exposure or post-exposure series
• If you started your series with RabAvert and it becomes unavailable, you can switch to Imovax for remaining doses
• Both vaccines produce comparable antibody responses and have similar safety profiles
• Both require the same dosing schedule and administration route (intramuscular injection)

RabAvert vs. Imovax: Key Differences

Although they are clinically interchangeable, RabAvert and Imovax differ in meaningful ways:

• Cell substrate: RabAvert uses purified chick embryo cells (PCECV). Imovax uses human diploid cells (HDCV). This manufacturing difference matters for people with egg allergies.
• Egg allergy: RabAvert contains trace egg/chicken protein (ovalbumin ≤3 ng/dose). Patients with severe egg allergies should use Imovax instead.
• Ingredients: RabAvert contains processed bovine gelatin and trace antibiotics (neomycin, chlortetracycline, amphotericin B). Patients with known hypersensitivity to these components should discuss with their provider.
• Manufacturer: RabAvert is manufactured by Bavarian Nordic; Imovax by Sanofi Pasteur.
• Market share: As of 2025, RabAvert holds approximately 77% U.S. market share, making it the more commonly available product in most settings.

Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG): The Other Critical Component

For people who have never been vaccinated against rabies before and are receiving post-exposure prophylaxis, Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG) is given alongside the first dose of vaccine. HRIG is not a vaccine — it's a concentrated dose of rabies antibodies from donated human plasma that provides immediate (passive) immunity while the vaccine builds active immunity over 7–10 days.

There are several FDA-approved HRIG products available in the U.S.:

• HyperRAB (rabies immune globulin, human) — manufactured by Grifols
• KedRAB (rabies immune globulin, human) — manufactured by Kedrion Biopharma
• Imogam Rabies-HT — an older HRIG product that may also be available at some facilities

HRIG is given only once — at the time of the first vaccine dose. It should never be given to someone who has previously been vaccinated against rabies, as it can interfere with the vaccine's effect.

Are There Generic Alternatives to RabAvert?

No. There are no generic rabies vaccines approved by the FDA for human use in the United States. Both RabAvert and Imovax are brand-name products, and no biosimilar or generic version is currently available. This is one reason why rabies vaccination remains expensive — a full post-exposure series without insurance can cost several thousand dollars.

What About Rabies Vaccines Available Outside the U.S.?

If you're traveling internationally, you may encounter rabies vaccines not available in the U.S., such as Verorab (Vero cell-based, by Sanofi Pasteur, widely available in Asia and Africa) or other WHO-approved cell culture vaccines. These are generally effective and used the same way, but are not FDA-approved for use in the United States. Always confirm that any vaccination received abroad is properly documented in case you need follow-up doses at home.

The Bottom Line: Imovax Is Your Best Alternative

If RabAvert is unavailable in your area, Imovax is a clinically equivalent alternative that can be used interchangeably. The most important thing when it comes to rabies prevention is getting vaccinated on schedule — not which specific product you use. Never delay starting or continuing a post-exposure series while searching for a specific brand. See our guide: Why Is RabAvert So Hard to Find? for more context on availability challenges.

If you're having difficulty locating any rabies vaccine — RabAvert or Imovax — medfinder can help identify which nearby clinics and pharmacies currently have them in stock.