Rabies Vaccine

What it is and how it works

Contains inactivated rabies virus grown in cell culture (e.g. Vero or human diploid cells) or purified chick embryo cells. It induces neutralising antibodies that protect against rabies infection.

Indications

Pre-exposure prophylaxis in persons at risk (laboratory workers, veterinarians, travellers to endemic areas); post-exposure prophylaxis after possible exposure to rabies, combined with rabies immunoglobulin when indicated.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Given by intramuscular (deltoid; anterolateral thigh in young children) or, for some products, intradermal injection according to WHO or national schedules; for example, post-exposure in unvaccinated persons 4 intramuscular doses on days 0, 3, 7 and 14–28, and fewer doses in previously vaccinated persons.

Contraindications

There are no contraindications to post-exposure prophylaxis; for pre-exposure use, postpone in acute febrile illness and avoid in known severe hypersensitivity to a previous dose or component.

Warnings and precautions

Do not inject into the gluteal region, as this reduces the immune response. Immunocompromised persons and those taking antimalarials such as chloroquine (with intradermal regimens) may respond poorly and need antibody testing; anaphylaxis treatment must be available.

Pregnancy

Post-exposure prophylaxis should be given in pregnancy; pre-exposure vaccination can be given if the risk is significant.

Storage and supply

Store at 2–8 °C; do not freeze; protect from light.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.