![Anti-Rabies Vaccine Cost & Where to Get It in the Philippines [2026]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.clinicfinderph.com%2Fblog%2Fanti-rabies-vaccine-cost-philippines.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Anti-Rabies Vaccine Cost & Where to Get It in the Philippines [2026]
Quick Answer: Anti-rabies vaccine costs an estimated ₱500–₱1,500 per dose in private clinics; a full post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) series runs an estimated ₱2,500–₱7,000 depending on brand, schedule, and whether Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is needed. PEP is usually FREE for eligible patients at government Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs), but what is free can differ by city and by exposure category, so confirm with your local center. Common brands: Verorab, Speeda, Vaxirab, Abhayrab, Rabipur. At government ABTCs the DOH schedule is intradermal on Days 0, 3, 7 and 28 (the Day 28 dose may be left out when WHO-prequalified vaccines are used). The intramuscular options are Days 0, 3, 7, 14 (Essen) or Day 0 (2 doses), 7, 21 (Zagreb 2-1-1). After any animal bite: wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes, then go to the nearest ABTC or ER — do not wait. Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but 100% preventable with timely PEP.
About these figures: Private clinics and hospitals in the Philippines do not publish a standard price list for anti-rabies treatment. The private-clinic and hospital ranges on this page are our estimates for budgeting, not confirmed rates from any facility, and your actual bill depends on the brand, the facility, your body weight (for RIG) and professional fees. Always ask for an itemized quote. For reference, the DOH Drug Price Reference Index shows what government hospitals pay per vial: ₱409-₱1,400 for a 0.5 mL purified Vero cell vaccine vial and ₱900-₱1,650 for a purified chick embryo cell vaccine vial, and ₱3,500-₱6,433 for a 2 mL (300 IU) human RIG vial (DOH DPRI, checked October 2026). Last checked: October 2026.
Nakagat ng Aso? Libreng Anti-Rabies sa ABTC (2026)
Mag-subscribe sa YouTubeTable of Contents
- Why Rabies Matters in the Philippines
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Schedule
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for At-Risk People
- Vaccine Brands Available in the Philippines (2026)
- Cost Breakdown: Private Clinic vs ABTC
- Where to Get Anti-Rabies in the Philippines
- What to Do Immediately After an Animal Bite
- PhilHealth Coverage
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Where to Go Next
- Bottom Line
Why This Matters: Rabies in the Philippines
The Philippines has one of the highest rabies burdens in Southeast Asia. The DOH recorded 426 human rabies deaths in 2024, virtually all among people who were bitten but never sought PEP — or who stopped midway through the schedule. The vaccine works. Missing a dose or delaying the first shot is what kills people.
If you've been bitten, scratched, or licked on broken skin/mucous membranes by a dog, cat, bat, monkey, or any mammal — this guide is for you. Go to an animal bite center today. Reading time on this page should not delay that.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Schedule
Category of exposure determines what you need:
| Category | Exposure Type | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| I | Touching / feeding animal; intact skin licked | No PEP — wash area |
| II | Minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding; nibbling of uncovered skin | Wound care + vaccine only |
| III | Single/multiple transdermal bites/scratches; licks on broken skin/mucous membranes; exposure to bats | Wound care + vaccine + RIG |
Categories II and III always require vaccination. Category III additionally requires Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) infiltrated around the wound.
Two Standard Schedules
| Schedule | Days | Route | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essen (IM) | 0, 3, 7, 14 (WHO allows the last dose anywhere from Day 14 to 28) | Intramuscular, 1 vial/dose | Standard IM regimen |
| Updated Thai Red Cross (TRC) (ID) | 0, 3, 7, 28 (2 sites per visit, left and right deltoid; Day 28 may be omitted with WHO-prequalified vaccines) | Intradermal, 0.1 mL/site | Used at government ABTCs, vial-sparing |
| Zagreb 2-1-1 (IM) | 0 (2 doses), 7, 21 | Intramuscular | Used where ID not available |
Most DOH ABTCs use the intradermal (ID) TRC schedule because it's dose-sparing (one vial serves multiple patients). It is WHO-approved and just as effective as IM when administered correctly.
Do not skip or delay doses. If you miss a scheduled day, get the dose as soon as possible and continue the series — do not restart. Call the ABTC for guidance.
For Previously Vaccinated Patients (Re-Exposure)
If you've completed a prior full PEP course or had pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), you only need 2 booster doses on Days 0 and 3. No RIG needed. Bring proof of prior vaccination.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for At-Risk People
PrEP is 2 doses on Days 0 and 7 (WHO 2018 update). Recommended for:
- Veterinarians, veterinary students, and animal handlers
- Laboratory workers handling rabies virus
- Wildlife workers, forest rangers, bat researchers
- Travelers to remote areas with limited PEP access
- Children in high-transmission areas (LGU-dependent)
PrEP cost: roughly ₱1,000–₱3,000 total in private clinics (our estimate, not a published rate). Still requires 2 booster doses if ever bitten.
Vaccine Brands Available in the Philippines (2026)
| Brand | Manufacturer | Type | Estimated Price / Dose (Private) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verorab | Sanofi (France) | PVRV (purified Vero cell) | ₱1,000–₱1,500 |
| Speeda | Liaoning Chengda (China) | PVRV | ₱600–₱1,000 |
| Vaxirab-N | Zydus / Cadila (India) | PCECV (purified chick embryo cell) | ₱700–₱1,100 |
| Abhayrab | Human Biologicals Institute (India) | PVRV | ₱500–₱900 |
| Rabipur / RabAvert | Bavarian Nordic / GSK | PCECV | ₱1,200–₱1,800 |
All are modern cell-culture vaccines, but of these five only Verorab and Vaxirab-N are on the WHO prequalified list (WHO list checked October 2026). The DOH allows non-prequalified vaccines only when prequalified supply is short. Price differences reflect supply chain and brand positioning. Do not delay PEP to wait for a specific brand.
Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)
| Product | Type | Dose | Estimated Cost (private) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRIG (Human) | Plasma-derived | 20 IU/kg | ₱8,000–₱20,000+ (often out of pocket) |
| ERIG (Equine) | Horse serum | 40 IU/kg | ₱3,500–₱7,500 |
RIG is typically free at DOH ABTCs for Category III exposures, subject to stock. Private supply (especially HRIG) is limited and expensive. DOH guidelines highly recommend a skin test before ERIG, and ABTCs do it.
Cost Breakdown: Private Clinic vs ABTC
The private clinic and hospital figures below are our estimates, not published rates. The government row follows DOH policy, but what is free differs by center.
| Setting | Consultation | Vaccine Series | RIG (if needed) | Total (Category II) | Total (Category III) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government ABTC (walk-in) | Free, or a small fee at some centers (₱40 at the Bacolod City Health Office) | Free at most centers (ID schedule) | Free (ERIG), subject to stock | Usually free | Usually free |
| Private animal bite clinic | ₱300–₱800 | ₱2,500–₱5,500 | ₱4,000–₱8,000 | ₱3,000–₱6,500 | ₱7,000–₱14,500 |
| Hospital ER | ₱1,500–₱4,500 | ₱3,000–₱7,000 | ₱8,000–₱20,000 | ₱5,000–₱12,000 | ₱13,000–₱32,000+ |
| LGU city health office / health center | Varies by LGU | Varies by LGU (at the Bacolod City Health Office, Category III patients with a PhilHealth MDR copy get the vaccine free and Category II patients buy their own) | Free if stocked | Varies by LGU | Varies by LGU |
Go to an ABTC if one is near you. They are staffed, stocked, and follow DOH protocol. Hospital ERs are appropriate when the ABTC is closed, or when you need multi-trauma management alongside PEP.
Where to Get Anti-Rabies in the Philippines
1. DOH Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) — Recommended, Free
The DOH supplies vaccines and RIG to ABTCs, which are mostly hospital-based or run by city and rural health units. PhilHealth's 2026 list of accredited Animal Bite Package providers has about 1,500 entries (government and private). Government ABTCs are generally free for eligible patients, but rules differ by center. For example, the Bacolod City Health Office charges a ₱40 fee, asks Category III patients for a PhilHealth MDR copy, and expects Category II patients to buy their own vaccine.
Find an ABTC near you:
- Animal Bite Treatment Centers in the Philippines (nationwide directory) — the master list
- Animal Bite Centers in Cebu — Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and province
- Animal Bite Centers in Davao — Davao City and Davao Region ABTCs
- Animal Bite Centers in Bacolod — Bacolod and Negros Occidental
Bring: valid ID, the biting animal's vaccination card if available, and any prior rabies vaccination record. Some LGUs charge a small registration or consultation fee (₱40 at the Bacolod City Health Office, per its Citizen's Charter).
2. Hospital Emergency Rooms
Use when the ABTC is closed, the wound needs surgical attention (deep lacerations, tendon exposure, head/neck bites), or the patient is a child under 2, elderly, or immunocompromised. Costs are substantially higher but care is 24/7.
3. Private Animal Bite Clinics
Many private animal bite clinics and hospitals are on PhilHealth's accredited Animal Bite Package provider list. Hours vary, so call ahead. Queues may be shorter than at LGU ABTCs, but you pay out of pocket. Useful when your local government center is crowded or closed.
4. Travel & OFW Clinics
For OFWs pre-deployment or travelers to endemic regions, pre-exposure PrEP is offered at some travel clinics and hospitals, such as Makati Medical Center. Call ahead to ask whether they stock it and what they charge.
For a broader look at vaccine pricing in the Philippines, see our Vaccine Cost Guide.
What to Do Immediately After an Animal Bite
This is time-critical. Follow these steps in order:
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Thorough washing lowers the amount of virus at the wound (WHO). Do not skip this. Do not scrub aggressively — soap and flushing water are the active ingredients.
- Apply an antiseptic — povidone-iodine (Betadine) or 70% alcohol. Do not apply garlic, vinegar, toothpaste, or traditional "tandok" remedies — these do nothing and delay real care.
- Do not suture the wound. The DOH says suturing should be avoided; if it cannot be avoided, it should wait at least 2 hours after RIG is given.
- Go to the nearest ABTC or ER today, not tomorrow. Category III exposures (bites or scratches that bleed, head and neck exposures, bat contact) need RIG, ideally on Day 0 with the first vaccine dose. The DOH allows RIG up to Day 7.
- Bring information about the biting animal — is it a pet or stray? Vaccinated? Available for 14-day observation? Photo or video helps.
- Start PEP even if the animal looks healthy. Under DOH guidelines you complete the vaccine through Day 7 whatever the animal's status; your ABTC decides about the later dose after the 14-day observation of the animal. Never delay Day 0 while "waiting to see" if the dog gets sick — that's the error that has killed hundreds of Filipinos.
- Observe the biting dog/cat for 14 days (DOH rule, if owned and locatable). If it stays healthy, your ABTC may stop the remaining doses after Day 7. If it becomes ill, dies, or disappears, complete the full schedule.
When to Go Directly to a Hospital ER (Not an ABTC)
- Deep wounds with uncontrolled bleeding
- Bites on the face, head, neck, hands, or genitals
- Bites from wild animals (bats especially — even without visible wound if bat was found in a bedroom)
- Immunocompromised patients (the DOH uses a different regimen and RIG for them, so tell the center right away). Pregnancy is not a reason to skip PEP.
- Signs of wound infection (fever, spreading redness, pus) more than 24 hours after the bite
PhilHealth Coverage
PhilHealth pays a fixed ₱5,850 per case under its Animal Bite Treatment (ABT) Package at accredited facilities (PhilHealth Circular 2024-0037, effective January 1, 2025; it was ₱3,000 before). The package covers the rabies vaccine, RIG, local wound care, tetanus toxoid or anti-tetanus serum, antibiotics, and supplies. PhilHealth's guidelines cover Category III exposures and Category II exposures on the head and neck, so ask the facility whether your case qualifies. Coverage applies to members and qualified dependents. At government ABTCs, treatment is usually free anyway and the facility claims the PhilHealth payment.
Bring your PhilHealth MDR or PIN when seeking care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a bite do I need the anti-rabies vaccine?
Ideally within 24 hours. PEP is still effective if started later — even days or weeks after — but the sooner, the safer. There is no upper time limit if symptoms have not appeared; always start PEP, however late.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Do not restart. Get the missed dose as soon as possible and continue the remaining schedule. Call the ABTC that started you on the series — they will adjust timing. A single delayed dose does not fail PEP, but skipping doses entirely does.
Is anti-rabies vaccine safe for children and pregnant women?
Yes. Modern cell-culture rabies vaccines (all brands listed above) are safe in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children of any age. Rabies is 100% fatal; the vaccine is low-risk. There is no contraindication that outweighs a true exposure.
What are the side effects?
Mild: injection-site pain, redness, low-grade fever, headache. Usually resolves in 1–2 days. Serious reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare with modern vaccines. ERIG has a higher reaction risk than HRIG, which is why a skin test is done first.
Do I need PEP for a stray cat scratch that barely bled?
If the scratch broke skin — yes, Category II exposure. Wash, then proceed to an ABTC. Cats transmit rabies too, and strays are unobservable.
What about a bat in my room with no visible bite?
Treat as Category III. Bat teeth leave minute, often invisible puncture wounds. The DOH and WHO classify exposure to bats as Category III. If you wake up to a bat in the room (especially a child's), ask an ABTC right away whether you need PEP + RIG.
How long does rabies immunity last after a full PEP course?
A completed PEP course provides protection for about 3 years. If re-exposed beyond that, get 2 booster doses (Days 0 and 3) — no RIG needed.
Can my pet get rabies if it's fully vaccinated?
Risk is extremely low but not zero. A fully vaccinated dog/cat that bites someone should still be observed for 14 days. The 14-day observation rule applies to all dogs and cats regardless of vaccination status. Keeping your dog up to date on anti-rabies vaccines (RA 9482 requires dog owners to do this) protects your household and neighborhood.
Does PhilHealth really cover the full cost?
At government ABTCs, treatment is usually free and the facility claims the PhilHealth payment. At private clinics and hospitals, PhilHealth pays a fixed ₱5,850 to the accredited facility, but total bills often exceed this. If cost is a concern, go to an ABTC.
Where to Go Next
- Find an ABTC near you: Nationwide directory • Cebu • Davao • Bacolod
- Pet owners: vaccinate your dogs and cats annually — see our Best Vet Clinics in Metro Manila guide and broader vaccine cost guide.
- Find clinics near you on ClinicFinderPH: /veterinary for pets, or search your city's hospitals and ABTCs on ClinicFinderPH.
Bottom Line
Anti-rabies PEP is free at DOH Animal Bite Treatment Centers and ₱2,500–₱7,000 in private facilities. The cost of delay is your life. If you or someone you know was bitten — wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes, and go to the nearest ABTC or ER today. Not tomorrow.