HEALTH DEPARTMENT AUTHORIZATION NEEDED PRIOR TO ADMINISTERING POST-EXPOSURE VACCINATION - It is important to note that you must contact the health department for authorization prior to administering rabies shots. The exception to this rule is when prior notification would compromise the health of the patient.  By receiving "authorization" from the health department, you are assuring the patient that the health department has reviewed the case and is accepting financial responsibility for the portion of the hospital charges that are not covered by insurance. 

CONTACT INFORMATION:  You can reach the health department during normal business hours (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday excluding holidays) by calling 737-2019.  To send us reports of animal bites or exposures to potentially rabid animals, our fax number is 737-2059. 

For after hours emergencies, you can reach the answer service at 737-2044.  They will contact the "on-call" staff who will attempt to review the case to determine whether authorization will be given the next business day by environmental health.   

NOTE:  ALL POTENTIAL RABIES EXPOSURES (including bites by pets) ARE REQUIRED TO BE REPORTED TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, REGARDLESS OF THE VACCINATION STATUS OF THE ANIMAL THAT THE PATIENT WAS EXPOSED TO.

 TITLE IV of PUBLIC HEALTH LAW - This covers Sections 2140 through 2146 of New York State Public Health Law addressing such rabies topics as compulsory vaccination, seizure and disposal, county responsibilities, and the definition of "confinement and observation".  

 PART 2 of the STATE SANITARY CODE - This covers Section 2.14 regarding the "reporting of suspected rabid animals and persons exposed to them".