Improving vaccination strategies to control rabies in urban areas

Spatially responsive mass vaccination strategies for urban rabies

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11058504

This study is all about making it easier for pet owners in Arequipa, Peru, to get their dogs vaccinated against rabies by finding the best spots for vaccination clinics and reducing wait times, so more pets can get protected and help keep everyone safe from the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11058504 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing mass vaccination campaigns to combat rabies in urban settings, particularly in Arequipa, Peru. By utilizing modern computational methods, the study aims to identify optimal locations for vaccination sites, ensuring that underserved areas receive adequate coverage. The approach also incorporates queueing theory to minimize waiting times, making it easier for pet owners to vaccinate their dogs. Ultimately, the goal is to increase vaccination rates and reduce the spread of rabies among both animals and humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pet owners in urban areas, particularly those with limited access to vaccination services for their dogs.

Not a fit: Patients who do not own dogs or live in rural areas may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective rabies vaccination campaigns, significantly reducing the incidence of rabies in urban populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeted vaccination strategies can improve coverage and control zoonotic diseases, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.