Can you explain what prophylaxis is? Can people get vaccinated against rabies?

Prophylaxis in treatment given before the disease presents. So someone who was at risk for having had a rabies exposure will often receive treatment - the vaccine and immunoglobulin shots - "just in case." This is because once someone starts to show signs of disease, rabies is almost always fatal.

There is a vaccine against rabies for people, and anyone can get it. However, it is strongly recommended for animal workers like animal control, veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals, etc. people traveling to areas where rabies is endemic are often recommended to get the vaccines; as well as people who like to explore caves or other places with lots of bats. It is a three shot course and not cheap. But you need all three shots for it to be fully effective.