Rabies vaccine

When is the rabies vaccine given?

Vaccination after exposure (post-exposure) is recommended for all individuals who have had contact with an animal (e.g., bites or abrasions) that they believe may be, or which is proven to be, rabies. The best time for the first injection is within 48 hours of being bitten. 

The number of doses required is determined by the previous immunization status of the individual:

A) Previously unvaccinated people;

1. 4 doses at day 0,3,7, and 14 and receive a dose of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). The first dose of the vaccine provides rapid protection that persists until the vaccine works.

B ) Previously vaccinated people

1. 2 doses at day 0 & 3 and RIG is unnecessary and should not be given.

C) Immunocompromised patient

1. 5 doses at day 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 and a dose of RIG. The first dose of the vaccine to provide rapid protection that persists until the vaccine works.

MamaNet tips: If immunoglobulin is not available, it can be delayed up to 7 days post 1st vaccine given. Beyond the seventh day, RIG is not recommended since an antibody response to the vaccine is presumed to have occurred.

What should you do after got bitten by animals?

Removing the rabies virus at the site of the infection by chemical or physical means is an effective means of protection. Recommended first-aid procedures include immediate and thorough flushing and washing of the wound for a minimum of 15 minutes with soap and water, detergent, povidone iodine or other substances that kill the rabies virus.

After local wound treatment, you need to go to your nearest hospital for immediate treatment which consists of local treatment of the wound, administration of rabies immunoglobulin (if indicated), and immediate vaccination.

Rabies vaccine expiration date

Human rabies vaccines can be divided into two types: domestic vaccines and imported vaccines. Whether it is a domestic rabies vaccine or an imported rabies vaccine, the antibody level in the body can be maintained for 1 year after the whole course of rabies vaccine, and the effective period is generally 6 months.

Rabies vaccine side effects

1. Local and systemic reactions after injection such as  pain at the injection site, redness, induration, itching and swelling.
2. Low fever,  headache, dizziness, chills, fatigue, and general malaise, which generally lasts for 1-2 days. 
3. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are more common on the day of vaccination, and rarely last for 2-3 days.

Precautions against rabies vaccine

1. You should be careful not to drink alcohol, strong tea, coffee; do not eat irritating foods such as chili, onion, garlic, etc.
2. Try to avoid catching cold to prevent colds, avoid strenuous exercise or excessive fatigue.
3. Pregnant women who have been bitten must also be injected with rabies vaccine in a timely manner.
4. For Injection of rabies vaccines, you should go to a regular hospital or disease control center with rescue equipment. Once an allergic reaction occurs, it can be rescued in time.
5. If the vaccine is found to have unshakable clots, or change color, or the bottle is cracked, the liquid vaccine has been frozen, etc., do not use it for injection.
6. Vitamins and anti-infective drugs can be given at the same time to fight together with the rabies vaccine.
7. To avoid immune interference, during the period of rabies vaccine, patients should not be vaccinated as much as possible.

Reference

1. Malaysia selective Vaccinations: Rabies. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2021, from https://www.iamat.org/country/malaysia/risk/rabies