Vaccination series to prevent rabies after exposure
Rabies vaccination is a series of shots given over a period of 1 month after a possible exposure to rabies. Rabies vaccines contain inactivated virus particles that increase the body's immune response, which in turn helps destroy the rabies virus. One vaccine, the human diploid cell vaccine (HDCV), has been approved for use in Canada.
A rabies vaccine is given:
- In the form of a shot, usually in the upper arm muscle for adults and in the thigh for children. (Shots are never given in the buttocks because they are not very effective.)
- Five times over the span of 1 month. The first shot should be given as soon as possible after suspected exposure. Additional shots are given on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after exposure.
Local reactions, such as pain, itching, and swelling at the site of the shot, have been reported after vaccination with HDCV. Systemic reactions, such as headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and muscle aches, are less common.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Amy Fackler, MA Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: November 28, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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