Rabies Vaccine

Rabies vaccine is given either before exposure (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to rabies or after exposure (post-exposure prophylaxis).

The vaccines are generally considered safe and effective, though they do have a few side effects. (See our rabies vaccine side effects page for more info.)

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
The pre-exposure rabies vaccine is given before any exposure to rabies has occurred. It is recommended for persons at high risk for contact with rabid animals, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, lab workers, and people who come into frequent contact with animals that are prone to rabies such as raccoons, skunks, bats, stray dogs, and feral cats.

Travelers to foreign countries who might come into contact with wild animals and who may have poor access to medical care during their visit are also often recommended to receive the pre-exposure shot.

It should be noted that pre-exposure prophylaxis does not completely protect a person from rabies.  If a person who has received the pre-exposure shot gets bitten by a rabid animal, he or she will still need two more doses of the rabies vaccine after exposure.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Post-exposure rabies vaccine is given to people who believe they have been exposed to the rabies virus through a bite, scratch, or other exposure such as getting a wild animal’s saliva in an open wound.

An exposed person who has never received any rabies vaccine will first receive a dose of rabies immune globulin (a blood product that contains antibodies against rabies), which gives immediate, short-term protection. This shot should be given in or near the wound area as soon as possible after exposure, preferably within ten days.

Additional doses are usually given on days three, seven, and 14 after the initial shot.

While being bitten by a rabid or possibly rabid animal can be a terrifying experience, the good news is that the post-exposure prophylaxis has never failed and as long as the shots are administered in time, the patient will not develop rabies.