The Nation - News from Dec. 16, 1986

The government approved marketing of a cheaper, low-dose rabies vaccine to protect veterinarians, outdoorsmen and travelers in high-risk countries. The new vaccine, cultured from human cells, is cheaper to use because it is effective at one-tenth the previous dosage, the Food and Drug Administration said. Three doses, given over three or four weeks, are still required, with a booster shot every two years. The FDA said people who have had the low-dosage shots would require two larger injections if bitten by a rabid animal. Without the protection, they would need five high-dosage shots.