A vaccine that protects against rabies, before or after exposure
Rabies vaccine
A vaccine that helps protect against rabies, given either before exposure to those at risk or after a possible exposure such as a bite.
What is Rabies vaccine?
The rabies vaccine helps protect against rabies, a very serious infection spread mainly through bites or scratches from infected animals. It is given as an injection in two situations: before exposure, to people at higher risk such as some travellers and workers, and after a possible exposure, such as an animal bite, often together with rabies immunoglobulin. The most important message is that if you may have been exposed to rabies, you should seek urgent medical care straight away and not delay, as prompt treatment is highly effective. The most common effects of the vaccine are soreness where the injection is given.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Rabies vaccine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
The rabies vaccine is a vaccine that helps the body build protection against the rabies virus, which causes a very serious illness affecting the brain and nervous system. It can be given before any exposure (pre-exposure) to people at higher risk, such as certain travellers, laboratory workers and people who work with animals, and it can be given after a possible exposure (post-exposure), such as a bite or scratch from an animal that might carry rabies. After an exposure it is often given alongside rabies immunoglobulin, which provides extra immediate protection. It is given as a course of injections.
How it works
The rabies vaccine works by showing the immune system harmless material from the rabies virus, so the body learns to make protective antibodies. Given before exposure, this means a person already has some protection and can respond quickly if they are ever bitten. Given after a possible exposure, the vaccine prompts the body to build protection in time to stop the virus taking hold, which is why starting it promptly matters. After an exposure, rabies immunoglobulin may be given as well to provide ready-made protection straight away while the vaccine takes effect. The course is given as several injections over a set period.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Various manufacturers.
A vaccine used in the UK to protect against rabies, given to people at risk before travel or work, and after a possible exposure such as an animal bite.
Practical use
How to take Rabies vaccine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given by a healthcare professional as a course of injections, usually into the upper arm.
- After a possible exposure, seek urgent medical care straight away and do not delay starting treatment.
- Wash any bite, scratch or wound thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after an exposure.
- Complete the full course of injections you are given, as protection depends on finishing it.
- Tell the team if you have had rabies vaccine before, as this can change what treatment you need.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Rabies vaccine
Advantages
- Helps protect against rabies, a very serious infection, both before and after possible exposure.
- Highly effective when started promptly after a possible exposure, often alongside rabies immunoglobulin.
- Pre-exposure vaccination can simplify the treatment needed if a bite happens later.
Disadvantages
- It is given as a course of several injections rather than a single dose.
- Can cause soreness at the injection site and sometimes a mild fever.
- After a possible exposure, urgent care is still essential and must not be delayed.
Practical use
Good to know
The single most important message is about what to do after a possible exposure: if you are bitten or scratched by an animal that might carry rabies, or get its saliva into a wound or your eyes, wash the area well with soap and water and seek urgent medical care straight away — do not wait. Prompt treatment after exposure is highly effective, but rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, so timing is critical. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for some travellers and workers and does not remove the need for care after a bite, but it simplifies the treatment needed. The most common effects of the vaccine are soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given, and sometimes a mild fever, which settle quickly.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- After a genuine possible exposure to rabies, the vaccine is given to almost everyone, as the risk of rabies outweighs other concerns.
- For pre-exposure use, it is delayed in someone who is unwell with a high fever, or avoided after a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose.
- Tell your healthcare professional about any condition or treatment that affects the immune system, as advice may differ.
Monitoring
- Checking the full course of injections is completed.
- For some at-risk workers, blood tests to check the level of protection over time.
- Watching briefly after each injection for any immediate allergic reaction.
Side effects
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given.
- A mild fever, headache, tiredness or muscle aches for a day or two.
- Rarely, a serious allergic reaction, which is why vaccines are given where it can be managed.
Key interactions
- Medicines that affect the immune system, such as some steroids, may reduce how well it works, so seek advice.
- Certain medicines for malaria prevention can affect the response to some vaccination schedules, so timing is reviewed.
- After exposure, the vaccine is given alongside rabies immunoglobulin where needed.
Available as: A solution or powder made up for injection, usually into the upper arm.
Answers
Rabies vaccine: frequently asked questions
What is the rabies vaccine used for?
It helps protect against rabies, a very serious infection spread mainly through animal bites or scratches, given either before exposure to people at risk or after a possible exposure.
What should I do if I am bitten by an animal abroad?
Wash the wound well with soap and water and seek urgent medical care straight away; do not delay, as prompt treatment after a possible rabies exposure is highly effective.
Do I still need treatment if I had the vaccine before?
Yes, you still need urgent care after a possible exposure, but having had the vaccine before can simplify the treatment you need, so tell the team about it.
What is rabies immunoglobulin?
It is a ready-made antibody treatment sometimes given after a possible exposure, alongside the vaccine, to provide immediate protection while the vaccine takes effect.
What are the common side effects?
The most common effects are soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given and sometimes a mild fever, which settle quickly.
The wider class
About Vaccine (rabies)
Rabies vaccine belongs to the vaccine (rabies) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
Building a medicines information resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free drug and formulary references for teams.