UNSPSC 51201617: Rabies vaccine

This classification denotes a vaccine for an acute viral cns infection affecting mammals, including humans, which is caused by the rabies virus (a type species of lyssavirus) and which usually spreads by contamination with virus-laden saliva of bites of rabid animals, most especially dogs, cats, bats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and wolves. The inactivated virus vaccine is used for preexposure immunization to persons at high risk of exposure, and in conjunction with rabies immunoglobulin, for postexposure prophylaxis.

UNSPSC 51201617 Rabies vaccine (Commodity) covers immunological products that state and local health agencies procure to support disease prevention and outbreak response programs. The code encompasses vaccines administered through public health infrastructure, though recent state and local solicitations under this code are sparse. When health departments do solicit under this taxonomy, they typically source directly from established manufacturers through sole-source or limited-competition procurement pathways that reflect both the critical nature of vaccine supply chains and the regulatory requirements governing biological products.

The most recent state-local opportunity on record is the Mississippi State Department of Health's July 2026 sole-source notice for Yellow Fever Vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., with an objection deadline of August 3, 2026. This procurement illustrates the typical pattern: state health departments act as the primary issuing bodies, and sole-source designations dominate because vaccine procurement often depends on FDA approvals, manufacturer capacity, and epidemiological considerations that limit competition. The notice structure — allowing objections to sole-source classification and requiring the department to defend exclusivity before the state's Public Procurement Review Board if challenged — reflects the regulatory friction inherent in biologics procurement. Geographic activity is limited; the recent-opportunities block shows activity only in Mississippi. Most state and local health agencies procure vaccines through established state contracts, regional cooperative agreements, or direct federal supply channels, making competitive opportunities at the individual-jurisdiction level uncommon.