Definitions

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). An official federal advisory committee composed of medical and public health experts who develop evidence-based guidelines on how to use vaccines to control diseases in the United States. Domestic Animal. An animal species that, through selective breeding has been tamed and kept by humans as a work animal, food source, or pet, and has become notably different from their wild ancestors. Health Care Provider. A physician, duly licensed and registered to practice as a physician by the Board of Registration in Medicine; an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, duly licensed and registered to engage in advanced practice nursing activities by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing; or a Physician Assistant, duly licensed and registered to practice as a physician assistant by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Physician Assistants. Post-exposure Prophylaxis. Any preventive medical treatment started immediately after exposure to a pathogen (such as a disease-causing virus), in order to prevent infection by the pathogen and the development of disease. Rabies. A preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Uninsured. A patient who is not covered by a health insurance plan, a self-insurance health plan or a medical assistance program.