Important Rabies Vaccine Update: What Pet Owners Should Know
Recently, a voluntary recall was issued for a specific lot of the rabies vaccine IMRAB® 3 TF (1 mL) manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. The affected lot number is Serial #18665 (expiration 03/12/2027).
The recall was initiated after the manufacturer discovered that a small number of vials may have contained sterile water instead of the rabies vaccine. This means the affected doses would not provide the intended protection against rabies.
What This Means for Pet Owners
The important thing to know is that there is no health or safety risk to pets that received one of these doses. Sterile water does not cause harm; however, pets vaccinated with the affected lot may not have developed immunity to rabiesand will need to be revaccinated to ensure proper protection.
The manufacturer has been working closely with veterinary hospitals to identify any affected doses and is covering the cost of revaccination for pets that received vaccines from this lot.
Are Our Vaccines Affected?
At Valley West and Elk Valley Veterinary Hospitals, the rabies vaccines we currently use are not from the recalled lot and remain safe and effective. Protecting the health of our patients is always our highest priority, and we carefully monitor vaccine quality and manufacturer updates.
What Should You Do?
If your pet received a rabies vaccine between September 2025 and January 2026, and you have concerns, we encourage you to contact your veterinary clinic so they can verify the lot number used during your pet’s visit.
If your pet did receive a vaccine from the recalled lot, revaccination will be recommended to ensure full protection against rabies.
Why Rabies Vaccination Matters
Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect both animals and humans, making vaccination one of the most important protections we can provide for our pets and communities. Keeping pets properly vaccinated helps protect families, veterinarians, and wildlife alike.
If you have any questions about your pet’s vaccination status or rabies prevention, our team at Valley West and Elk Valley Veterinary Hospitals are always happy to help.
