From the Guidelines
The rabies vaccine is generally safe, but like any vaccine, it can cause side effects, including local reactions such as pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, which typically resolve within a few days, as reported in studies such as 1. Common side effects of the rabies vaccine include:
- Pain at the injection site, reported in 2%--23% of vaccinees 1
- Redness, swelling, or induration at the injection site, reported among 11%--57% of recipients 1
- Mild systemic reactions such as headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, or dizziness, reported in 0--31% of vaccine recipients 1
- Fever, which can occur but is less common Some people may experience more serious allergic reactions, such as:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which require immediate medical attention The modern rabies vaccines (HDCV, PCECV) have significantly fewer side effects than older versions, as noted in 1. For post-exposure prophylaxis, the standard regimen includes 4 doses given on days 0,3,7, and 14, along with rabies immunoglobulin at the wound site for previously unvaccinated individuals, as recommended in 1. Pre-exposure prophylaxis consists of 2 doses given 7 days apart. These side effects are generally mild compared to the risk of rabies infection, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making vaccination crucial for those at risk of exposure, as emphasized in 1. It is essential to report all clinically significant adverse events occurring following administration of rabies vaccine to VAERS, even if causal relation to vaccination is not certain, as stated in 1.
From the Research
Side Effects of Rabies Vaccine
The side effects of the rabies vaccine can vary depending on the type of vaccine, administration route, and individual patient factors. According to the studies, the common side effects of the rabies vaccine include:
- Local reactions such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site 2, 3, 4
- Systemic reactions such as fever, headache, fatigue, and malaise 2, 3, 4, 5
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 5
- Neurological symptoms such as dizziness, paraesthesias, and arthralgias 5
- Allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, which is rare but can be life-threatening 6
Factors Influencing Side Effects
The studies suggest that certain factors can influence the occurrence and severity of side effects, including:
- Age: Children and older adults may be more prone to side effects 2, 4
- Sex: Female patients may experience more side effects than male patients 2
- Chronic illnesses: Patients with underlying medical conditions may be more likely to experience side effects 2
- Vaccine type and administration route: Different vaccines and administration routes may have varying side effect profiles 2, 3, 4
Management of Side Effects
The studies emphasize the importance of monitoring patients for side effects and providing appropriate treatment when necessary. This may include: