That’s my recollection, but it was a while ago. No longer the case. It’s one shot near the wound of rabies immunoglobulin and four of rabies vaccine into a muscle. Doesn’t sound as expensive either.
No, the rabies vaccine has not been given in the stomach since the 1980s. For adults, it should only be given in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm (administration to the gluteal area is NOT recommended, as studies have shown this can result in a less effective immune response). For children, the anterolateral aspect of the thigh is also an acceptable site (depending on the child's age and body mass). Rabies immunoglobulin is recommended to be given at the site of the bite, if possible.