HUMAN RABIES VACCINE

Written By:Sakshi Anil MoreB. Pharm Reviewed By:Dr. Tejashwin AdigaMBBS

Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:30 AM (IST)

HUMAN RABIES VACCINE

Background and Date of approval HUMAN RABIES VACCINE

The U.S. FDA approved human rabies vaccine on 23/08/2017. This medicine is used to prevent rabies infection.

Uses of HUMAN RABIES VACCINE

It is used as a preventative measure against rabies before or after exposure to the virus (pre-exposure prophylaxis or post-exposure prophylaxis). Rabies infection spreads when a person is bitten, scratched, or licked by an infected animal, especially when the skin is already injured.

How is HUMAN RABIES VACCINE administered?

Human rabies vaccine is available as syringes which are administered through an intramuscular route by your doctor. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the medicine if your doctor advises you to stop.

Side Effects of HUMAN RABIES VACCINE

The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with Human rabies vaccine, pain, induration, erythema, injection site reaction (pruritus), fever, headache, nausea, and dizziness. Report your doctor immediately, if you experience severe allergic reactions, lymphadenopathy [swelling of lymph nodes].

Warnings

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the vaccines or its components. However, there are no absolute contraindications after exposure to rabies. Consult your doctor about the prescribed and non-prescribed medication (corticosteroids or immunosuppressive) before using the vaccine. Consult your doctor if you have had any underlying acute illness before receiving a human rabies vaccine.

Precautions

Consult your healthcare provider if you plan to get pregnant. However, the medication has not been given to expectant mothers, and it should only be used when the projected advantages outweigh any possible hazards to the fetus. It is important to carefully read and understand the warnings and precautions associated with the medication. Patients should report to the doctor if they react to vaccine exposure.

Word of Advice

It is recommended to take sufficient rest for a fast recovery after the vaccination. It is advised to use a cold compress at the injection to reduce the inflammation and itching after the vaccination. Wash the animal-bitten area or the wound thoroughly with water for 10-15 minutes. After drying, apply 70% alcohol to that area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.

Can human rabies vaccines prevent rabies infection?

Yes, it is a vaccine and intended to prevent rabies infection. The attenuated rabies virus found in human rabies vaccine prompts the body's immune system to produce antibodies to fight rabies viruses.

Q2.

Is it safe to take human rabies vaccines along with other medication?

Before using the vaccine, inform your doctor about the prescribed and non-prescribed medication (corticosteroids or immuno-suppressives). This might reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

Q3.

For whom are human rabies vaccines not recommended?

It is not advised to use human rabies vaccines if you have a high fever, an acute disease that must be treated, or an allergy to the vaccine. Before getting the vaccine, speak with your physician.

Q4.

How to use the human rabies vaccination?

Human rabies vaccine is available as an injection that is given by intramuscular route. It is recommended to give a pre-exposure vaccine in three intramuscular injections on days [0, 7, 21, or 28]. In contrast, for the post-exposure vaccine, it is recommended to give five injections on days [0, 3, 7, 14, 28, 90]. However, your healthcare professional will decide the dosage regimen based on your conditions.

Q5.

May I experience an injection site reaction after receiving the human rabies vaccine?

Yes, you may have injection site reactions like pain, redness, or swelling after receiving the vaccine. It is advised to use a cold compress at the injection to reduce the inflammation and itching after the vaccination.

References

Zydus Cadila Private Limited, [Accessed on 12/03/2024], https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/resources/UploadCDSCOWeb/2018/UploadSmPC/2cad.pdf
Bio-Med (P) Limited, [Accessed on 12/03/2024], http://www.biomed.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Package-insert.jpg
Bavarian Nordic A/S. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2021] [Accessed on 12/03/2024], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2502.pdf

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.

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