Rabies Vaccination

Disease: A viral infection usually transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.

Symptoms: Fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis, confusion.

Vaccine: Rabies Vaccine (Inactivated virus)

Dose Schedule:

• Pre-exposure:
  • Primary series: Three doses given intramuscularly on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28.
  • Booster: Every 2-3 years if continued risk of exposure.
• Post-exposure (for those who did not receive pre-exposure vaccination):
  • Four doses given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14, along with rabies immune globulin on the first dose.

Side Effects: Pain at injection site, fever, headache.

Risks if Contracted: Nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear.