Rabies Vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 17, 2023.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory

The rabies vaccine is an injection given to help prevent a rabies virus infection. The virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected animal. Dogs, bats, skunks, coyotes, raccoons, and foxes are examples of animals that can carry rabies. The rabies vaccine can protect you from being infected with the virus. The vaccine can also prevent you from developing rabies even if you get it after you were bitten by an animal.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call 911 for any of the following:

• Your mouth and throat are swollen.
• You are wheezing or have trouble breathing.
• You have chest pain or your heart is beating faster than normal for you.
• You feel like you are going to faint.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your face is red or swollen.
• You have hives that spread over your body.
• You feel weak or dizzy.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• measles virus vaccine/mumps virus vaccine/rubella virus vaccine/varicella virus vaccine
• ProQuad
• Rotarix
• RotaTeq
• rotavirus vaccine

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the area where the shot was given.
• You have questions or concerns about the rabies vaccine.

Apply a warm compress

to the injection area as directed to decrease pain and swelling.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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