Rabies Vaccination Information

Rabies vaccinations are recommended for individuals who work in high risk occupations, such as animal handlers, veterinarians and some laboratory employees. In addition, anyone who may be at risk due to contact with racoons, skunks, bats, cats, dogs, or other animals that may have rabies. In the United States, pets are required by law to be vaccinated for rabies.

Administration

• There are several brands of rabies vaccine in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reactions can vary among brands. Your doctor can advise you about the different brands and their effects. Rabies vaccine is made with killed virus, therefore it cannot cause rabies. It is administered in your deltoid muscle (your upper arm at your shoulder) and is given in a series of three to five injections.

Side Effects/Safety

• Side effects are usually mild. In most cases, the effects are problems at the site of the injection such as itching, redness and pain. Even less frequently, there are reactions of nausea, muscle aches, abdominal pain, fever, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems and headache. It is rare that any serious reactions occur with the rabies vaccine. Rabies vaccines are effective and safe, even for pregnant women. You should not receive the vaccine when you are not well.

Traveling

• If you plan to travel outside the United States, you may want to consider a rabies vaccination. Many other countries have problems with rabies, particularly Africa, Asia, Central America and South America. Dog rabies is common in these countries and obtaining treatment may be difficult. While you are traveling, avoid any contact with cats, dogs and other animals.

Post-Exposure

• If you have been exposed to rabies and have never been vaccinated, your first injection will be rabies immune globulin. This provides you with immediate protection for a short period because it is a blood product with antibodies for rabies. It is administered near the site of the wound. Following that injection, you will receive a rabies vaccination series, with the first shot soon after your exposure. The additional injections are administered on days three, seven and 14, following the first shot.

Protection

• If you have been vaccinated against rabies and exposed to it, you must still receive additional vaccinations. You will receive two additional doses. The first will be administered immediately after the bite and the second dose in three days. By being immunized, you eliminate the need for the injection of rabies immune globulin if you are exposed, and the number of vaccinations needed is decreased.

Expert Insight

• The rabies vaccine is recommended for individuals who are at a high risk of exposure, and for those who have been exposed to rabies, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Thoracic Society.

Pet Vaccinations

• All dogs are required by law in the United States to have rabies vaccinations. Typically, your dog receives his first vaccination at three to six months of age which protects him for one year. After his one year booster, he will receive one vaccination every three years. Some states require vaccinations every year. Consult your veterinarian about the laws in your state. Most states also require that cats be vaccinated for rabies as well. Kittens are usually first vaccinated between eight and 12 weeks and then after one year. Depending on your state, your cat should receive a booster shot every two to three years. Consult your veterinarian about rabies vaccinations for pets other than dogs and cats.