What is Rabies vaccine?
If you work as a veterinarian, an animal handler, or in a rabies lab, you may be more susceptible to rabies. This includes cats, dogs, and foxes. You may also be at risk for rabies if you travel to certain countries.The Rabies human diploid cell vaccine protects people who may have been exposed to rabies by being bitten (post-exposure) or in other ways (pre-exposure).The vaccine works by exposing the body to a small amount of virus. This causes it to develop immunity against the disease. The rabies vaccine can be used on adults and children.The rabies vaccination may not protect everyone from the disease.
Side effects of Rabies vaccine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then you should not get a booster shot.Keeping track of all side effects after this vaccination is important. You will need to inform your doctor of any side effects you experience after receiving the first dose.Infecting yourself with rabies poses a greater risk to your health than getting this vaccine. This vaccine, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the risks of serious side effects are extremely low.
If you experience any of the following rare but serious symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
- A high temperature
- Nausea; skin rash; joint pain.
- A tingling sensation or a prickly feel in your toes or fingers
- You may experience a feeling of weakness in your arms or legs.
- Problems with balance, eye movements, or difficulty speaking or swallowing.
Side effects of the rabies vaccination may include:
- Pain, swelling, itching or redness at the site of injection;
- Headache;
- Dizziness;
- Muscle pain;
- Nausea and stomach pain.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Warnings
If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then you should not get a booster shot.
Before you take this drug
This vaccine should not be given if you've ever experienced a severe allergic reaction to the rabies vaccination.
Tell your doctor before receiving the vaccine if you:
- An impaired immune system, due to illness or certain medicines.
- Any type of infection or serious illness
- Allergy to neomycin.
Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Rabies vaccine?
This vaccine is administered as a shot (injection) into the muscle. This injection will be given in a clinic or doctor's office.You will need three shots to prevent rabies before exposure. The second shot usually comes 7 days after the initial shot, and then a third one 2 to 3 weeks later.You may need the preventive series of vaccines every two years if you are at risk for rabies. You may need to receive a booster vaccination every six months if you are exposed to live rabies viruses, for example, in a lab or vaccine production area. Blood tests may be required to determine if you need further vaccinations.You will need five shots to prevent post-exposure after being bitten or exposed. The first shot should be given as soon after exposure as possible. The rest of the shots are given on days 3, 7, 14, and 28. You may receive a separate rabies immunoglobulin injection with the first shot. This injection is administered directly to the bite or injury site where rabies is most likely to have been transmitted.
If you have previously received a rabies vaccination, then only two rabies injections are required for post-exposure protection. These should be spaced out by three days. The immune globulin injection is not required.It is important to time this vaccination correctly for maximum effectiveness. These guidelines may not match your individual booster schedule. You can follow the instructions of your doctor or the schedule set by the health department in the state where you live.If you do not receive the full recommended dose of this vaccine, your protection against disease may be compromised.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are behind on your booster doses or have missed one, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
It is very unlikely that a rabies vaccination will be overdosed.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about any other vaccines that you may have received recently before receiving this vaccine.
Tell your doctor if any of the following drugs or treatments have recently been administered to you:
- Steroid medicine;
- Cancer treatment
- Medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders
- Medicines to treat or prevent transplant rejection
You may be unable to get the vaccine if you are taking any of these drugs, or you may have to wait until your other treatments are complete before you can receive it.This list is incomplete. This vaccine may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
