Rabies vaccine
Also sold as: Verorab, Rabipur
Usual adult dose
After a bite or scratch from a dog, cat or wild animal: wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes and go to a health facility the same day. The vaccine is given by a health worker as a series of injections (for example on days 0, 3, 7 and 14 to 28); rabies immunoglobulin may also be needed. Do not delay or skip doses.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- pain
- redness or swelling at the injection site
- headache
- mild fever
- muscle aches
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe allergic reaction (swelling of face or throat
- difficulty breathing)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- After an animal bite there is no reason to refuse the vaccine — rabies is almost always fatal
- Pregnancy is not a reason to delay after a bite
- People with weak immunity may need extra doses (doctor decides)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Chloroquine
Chloroquine can weaken the response to rabies vaccine, especially when given into the skin; the doctor may give it into the muscle.
- Prednisolone
Steroids can weaken the immune response to the vaccine; antibody levels may need checking.