Imovax is a Rabies Vaccine, Not a Hepatitis A Vaccine
You are asking about the wrong vaccine. Imovax is a rabies vaccine manufactured for pre- and post-exposure rabies prophylaxis, not a hepatitis A vaccine. The dosing schedule depends entirely on whether you need pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies 1.
Imovax Rabies Vaccine Dosing for Adults
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Before Potential Rabies Exposure)
Imovax requires a 3-dose series administered intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle on Days 0,7, and 21 (or 28) 1. This schedule is used for:
- Rabies researchers and laboratory workers
- Veterinarians and animal handlers
- International travelers to rabies-endemic areas
- Anyone with frequent contact with potentially rabid animals
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (After Rabies Exposure)
Imovax requires a 5-dose series (Days 0,3,7,14, and 28) plus Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) for previously unvaccinated individuals 1. Those who received pre-exposure vaccination only need 2 doses without RIG.
Critical Pitfall to Avoid
Never administer Imovax in the gluteal area - this has been associated with vaccine failure, likely due to subcutaneous fat interfering with immune response 1. Always use the deltoid muscle in adults.
If You Meant Hepatitis A Vaccine
If you're actually asking about hepatitis A vaccination (not Imovax), all hepatitis A vaccines use a 2-dose series for adults, with doses given at 0 and 6-12 months apart 2. The second dose provides long-term immunity, though a single dose provides adequate short-term protection for post-exposure prophylaxis 2.