Rabies Information for Health Care Providers

Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Guidance (PDF)

Petting Zoo Rabies Risk Assessment (PDF)

Provider Memo: Rabies Exposure to Petting Zoo Goats and Actions for NC Clinicians (PDF)

On Aug. 28, 2026, NCDHHS confirmed multiple rabies cases in baby goats owned by a mobile petting zoo in Iredell County. These goats could have been infectious as early as July 28, 2026. While infectious, the goats were at multiple events in at least seven NC counties. Read more information.

Patient Assistance for Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

State Patient Assistance Program for Uninsured and Underinsured Residents

North Carolina’s Patient Assistance Program for uninsured and underinsured residents provides replacement rabies vaccine and Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG) to local health departments and health care providers who identify individuals who may not be able to pay for treatment with these products and meet certain criteria. In accordance with 10A NCAC 42A .0160 Fees, rabies vaccine may be provided without charge for an individual who meets all of the following criteria:

  1. The individual's family income is at or below the federal poverty level in effect on July 1 of each fiscal year as determined by the local health department; 
  2. The individual meets the residency and other requirements set forth in 10A NCAC 45A .0201 except that the individual shall not be eligible for Medicaid or health insurance reimbursement for rabies post-exposure treatment as determined by the local health department; 
  3. The treatment is recommended by a physician licensed to practice medicine.

To access replacement product through this program, contact your local health department when you have identified someone who might qualify.

  • This form should be completed by a local health department to request free state-supplied rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): Request for Free State-Supplied Rabies Vaccine / Immune Globulin
  • The local health department can submit the form on behalf of a clinic or hospital and have the replacement product shipped directly to the administering facility.

Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs

Some individuals may qualify for manufacturer patient assistance programs, if:

  1. Patient is uninsured, and
  2. Patients’ annual gross income is 250% of the Federal Poverty Level or less

For more information, contact product manufacturers:

More Information

NC Laws and Rules

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