rabies vaccine for humans?

[suzi1780]

So I am looking into volunteering with the Wildlife Rescue League http://www.wildliferescueleague.org/ as a caregiver. A caregiver helps licensed rehabilitators. I have been told that most of the rehabilitators that need caregivers work with rabies vector species such as bats and raccoons and that I will need to get a rabies vaccine to volunteer. Does anyone have experience with this vaccine? I have done a small amount of reseach online and what worries me is that I keep seeing information that says it cost between $900-$2000 to get the vaccine!! I can't afford that I would hate to not be able to volunteer just for that reason. I am not sure what my insurance would cover since this is not a standard vaccine.

 

[Peep_erz]

The cheapest I've heard is $800, so yes they are expensive. At the wildlife care center I volunteer at if you don't have a rabies vaccine you just aren't allowed to handle the vector species. You can prepare food, meds, and clean their cages but a vaccinated person must handle the animal. I can see their need for volunteers that are vaccinated but I don't think that would stop them admitting volunteers. Good luck!

 

[Godins Chinchillas]

I've had the vaccine. I can't remember if my insurance company picked it up or if my work covered it. Have you tried the department of health?

 

[suzi1780]

I have not done too much checking around yet, I am waiting to hear back from the person at the raccoon sanctuary. Hopefully she will be able to prove me some info