From the Guidelines
Rabies vaccine side effects are generally mild and temporary, and the vaccine should not be interrupted or discontinued due to local or mild systemic adverse reactions. Most commonly, people experience pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, with local pain at the injection site reported in 2%--23% of vaccinees 1. Systemic side effects may include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, dizziness, and fatigue, which typically resolve within a few days without treatment. More serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which require immediate medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Pain at the injection site
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle aches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue According to the study by 1, local reactions were reported among 11%--57% of recipients, and systemic reactions were less common, reported in 0--31% of vaccine recipients. The rabies vaccine is administered as a series of shots, typically four doses over 14 days for post-exposure prophylaxis, with the first dose given as soon as possible after exposure. For pre-exposure vaccination, three doses are given over 21-28 days. Despite potential side effects, the rabies vaccine is crucial for preventing rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Management of Side Effects
- Anti-inflammatory agents
- Antihistaminic agents
- Antipyretic agents
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to manage mild systemic adverse reactions 1. If you experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction after receiving the rabies vaccine, seek medical help immediately.
From the Research
Rabies Vaccine Side Effects
- The side effects of rabies vaccines can vary depending on the type of vaccine and the individual receiving it 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Common side effects of rabies vaccines include:
- More serious side effects, such as neurological complications, can occur in rare cases, particularly with certain types of vaccines, such as those prepared from animal brains 4.
- The risk of side effects can be higher in certain individuals, such as those with chronic illnesses or those who are female 2.
- Newer vaccines, such as those based on mRNA technology, may have a more favorable safety profile and be more effective in inducing an immune response 6.
- The benefits of vaccination in preventing rabies, a fatal disease, generally outweigh the risks of side effects 2, 5.