Rabies vaccine (human diploid cell)

You are more likely to be exposed to the rabies virus if you are a veterinarian, animal handler, rabies laboratory worker, or if you come into contact with animals that may carry the virus (including cats, dogs, foxes, skunks, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, and bats). Traveling to certain countries may also increase your risk of exposure to rabies.

Rabies vaccine (human diploid cell) is used to protect people who have been bitten by animals (post-exposure) or may be exposed to the rabies virus (pre-exposure).

This vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. Rabies vaccine is for use in adults and children.

Like any vaccine, the rabies vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a rabies vaccine.

Before getting this vaccine, inform your doctor if you have:

• a weak immune system (due to a disease or certain medications);
• any type of infection or severe illness; or
• an allergy to neomycin.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with rabies is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Call your doctor right away if you have rare but serious side effects, such as:

• a very high fever;
• fever, vomiting, skin rash, joint pain, general ill feeling;
• tingling or a prickly feeling in your fingers or toes;
• weakness or unusual feeling in your arms and legs; or
• problems with balance or eye movement, trouble speaking or swallowing.

Common side effects of rabies vaccine may include:

• pain, swelling, itching, or redness where the shot was given;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• muscle pain; or
• nausea, stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.

For pre-exposure prevention of rabies, you will need to receive a total of 3 shots. The second shot is usually given 7 days after the first, followed by a third shot 2 or 3 weeks later.

If you have a continued risk of exposure to rabies, you may need to receive the preventive vaccine series every 2 years. If you work around live rabies virus, such as in a laboratory or a vaccine production area, you may need a booster vaccine every 6 months. You might need frequent blood tests to determine your need for further preventive vaccination.

For post-exposure prevention after you have been bitten or exposed to rabies, you will need to receive a total of 5 shots. The first shot is given as soon as possible, and the rest are usually given on Days 3, 7, 14, and 28. With the first shot you may also receive a separate injection of rabies immune globulin. This injection is given directly into or near the bite wound or injury where the rabies virus is likely to have entered your body.

For people who have received a rabies vaccine in the past: You will need only 2 rabies vaccine injections for post-exposure prevention, spaced 3 days apart. You will not need the immune globulin shot.

The timing of this vaccination is very important for it to be effective. Your individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the health department of the state you live in.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine or you may not be fully protected against disease.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a booster dose or if you get behind schedule.

An overdose of rabies vaccine (human diploid cell) is unlikely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Before getting this vaccine, let your doctor know about all other vaccines you have received recently.

Also inform the doctor if you have taken any drugs or treatments that can weaken your immune system, such as:

• steroid medicine;
• cancer treatments;
• medicine for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines for preventing or treating organ transplant rejection.

If you are using any of these medications, you may not be able to receive the vaccine, or you may need to wait until these treatments are finished.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are mentioned here.