Rabies vaccine is used to protect you against infection caused by the rabies virus.
Rabies is a deadly virus that can cause brain inflammation. It is spread to people from the saliva of infected animals usually through a bite.
Rabies vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle), usually into the muscles of the upper arm or thigh.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The total number of injections you will receive will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of vaccination depending on the severity of your condition.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Rabies vaccine.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Rabies vaccine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bleeding disorders
- conditions causing a weak immune system e.g. cancer
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Rabies vaccine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition regularly.
Rabies vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, tiredness, fever, chills, and pain, swelling, bruising, redness or itching at the injection site.
Brief fainting spells that may result in falling and injury may occur after vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine can help prevent fainting and injuries caused by falls.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes following vaccination, inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for cancer e.g. methotrexate
- corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines) e.g. prednisone
- medicines for malaria (a disease characterised by chills, fever, and sweating that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito) e.g. chloroquine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rabies vaccine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze the Rabies vaccine otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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