Rabies Vaccine
Pronunciation: (RAY-beez vak-SEEN).
- Generic name
- Rabies vaccine
- Brand names
- RabAvert, Verorab, Abhayrab, Vaxirab-N, Rabipur, Imovax Rabies
- Drug class
- Vaccines & Immunization
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: India
Australia: · Full directory
What Rabies vaccine is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Rabies vaccine works
The rabies vaccine contains inactivated (killed) rabies virus. It stimulates the immune system to produce virus-neutralizing antibodies, providing active immunity against rabies. These antibodies prevent the rabies virus from entering the nervous system and causing disease if exposure occurs. (2)
What Rabies vaccine is used for
Pre-exposure prophylaxis against rabies virus infection
Pre-exposure prophylaxis against rabies virus infection (2)
Post-exposure prophylaxis after suspected rabies exposure
Post-exposure prophylaxis after suspected rabies exposure (2)
Immunization of individuals at high risk of rabies exposure (e.g., veterinarians, animal handlers, travelers to endemic areas)
Immunization of individuals at high risk of rabies exposure (e.g., veterinarians, animal handlers, travelers to endemic areas) (2)
Before taking Rabies vaccine
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine component. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Rabies vaccine
- General Instructions: The rabies vaccine is given as a series of injections, either intramuscularly (IM) or intradermally (ID), depending on the protocol and local guidelines.. Adult Dosing: For pre-exposure: 3 doses on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28. For post-exposure (not previously vaccinated): 4 doses on days 0, 3, 7, and 14, plus rabies immunoglobulin with the first dose. For previously vaccinated: 2 doses on days 0 and 3.. Pediatric Dosing: Children receive the same dosing schedule as adults. Dosage is not adjusted for age or weight.. Administration: Administered by a healthcare professional as an injection into the muscle (usually the deltoid for adults and older children; anterolateral thigh for young children).. When To Stop: Complete the full vaccination course as prescribed. Do not stop early unless advised by your healthcare provider.. Storage: Store the vaccine in a refrigerator at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Resume the schedule without restarting the entire series, but do not skip any doses.
Overdose
Overdose with rabies vaccine is unlikely. If more than the recommended dose is given, serious harm is not expected, but report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Pain at injection site
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Swelling at injection site
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Redness at injection site
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Muscle aches
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Fever
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reaction
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible — serious
Symptoms: Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible. Immunosuppressed individuals may have a reduced response. Pregnancy is not a contraindication for post-exposure prophylaxis. Always complete the full vaccination series for effective protection. Report any neurological symptoms immediately.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications: Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine component. Precautions: Immunocompromised patients may have reduced response; consider antibody testing. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not contraindications for post-exposure prophylaxis. Delay elective pre-exposure vaccination in patients with moderate/severe acute illness.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Immunosuppressive therapies (such as corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or immunomodulators) may reduce the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine. Live vaccines should generally not be administered concurrently with rabies vaccine. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and vaccines you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
The FDA label states the rabies vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed for pre-exposure prophylaxis, but because rabies infection is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, there is no contraindication to post-exposure prophylaxis in pregnancy — a suspected rabies exposure should never be left untreated because of pregnancy. Discuss with the treating clinician either way. (2)
Breastfeeding
The FDA label states it is not known whether the rabies vaccine passes into human or animal milk. As with pregnancy, this does not change the recommendation for post-exposure prophylaxis after a genuine rabies exposure, given the near-certainty of death from untreated rabies; discuss timing and any precautions with the treating clinician. (2)
Children
Frequency: Administered on days 0, 3, 7, and 14. Weight Based: Not applicable; the rabies vaccine is given as a fixed dose.. Max Daily Dose: 1 mL (as part of the vaccination series). Max Single Dose: 1 mL. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children under 18 years of age; however, it is commonly administered to children who are exposed. (2)
Renal_impairment
No renal- or hepatic-impairment-specific dosing guidance is described in the FDA label — the rabies vaccine is given as a fixed dose (1 mL) regardless of organ function, not adjusted by weight or kidney/liver status. As with pregnancy and breastfeeding, kidney or liver disease does not change the recommendation to complete post-exposure prophylaxis after a genuine exposure; discuss any immune-response monitoring needs with the treating clinician, especially if significantly immunocompromised. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
No renal- or hepatic-impairment-specific dosing guidance is described in the FDA label — the rabies vaccine is given as a fixed dose (1 mL) regardless of organ function, not adjusted by weight or kidney/liver status. As with pregnancy and breastfeeding, kidney or liver disease does not change the recommendation to complete post-exposure prophylaxis after a genuine exposure; discuss any immune-response monitoring needs with the treating clinician, especially if significantly immunocompromised. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
The FDA label specifies RabAvert should be stored protected from light, refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). This vaccine is administered by a healthcare professional, who is responsible for proper storage and handling before use.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Pre-exposure prophylaxis against rabies virus infection
Dose summary: The rabies vaccine is administered as a series of doses: 1 mL intramuscularly on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 for post-exposure prophylaxis.
Renal context: No renal-impairment-specific dose adjustment exists — the vaccine is given at a fixed 1 mL dose regardless of kidney function, per the FDA label. Post-exposure prophylaxis should not be withheld or delayed because of renal impairment, given the near-uniformly fatal course of untreated rabies. (2)
Hepatic guidance
No hepatic-impairment-specific dose adjustment exists — the vaccine is given at a fixed 1 mL dose regardless of liver function, per the FDA label. Post-exposure prophylaxis should not be withheld or delayed because of hepatic impairment, given the near-uniformly fatal course of untreated rabies.
Frequently asked questions
Who should get the rabies vaccine?
People at high risk of rabies exposure, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, laboratory workers, and travelers to high-risk areas, should get pre-exposure vaccination. Anyone exposed to a potentially rabid animal should receive post-exposure vaccination.
Is the rabies vaccine safe for children?
Yes, the rabies vaccine is safe and effective for children. The dosing schedule is the same as for adults.
Can I get rabies from the vaccine?
No, the rabies vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot cause rabies.
What should I do if I am bitten by an animal?
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention immediately, and follow your healthcare provider’s advice regarding rabies vaccination.
Do I need a booster dose after pre-exposure vaccination?
Booster doses may be recommended for people at ongoing risk, depending on antibody levels and local guidelines. Consult your healthcare provider.
Can I receive the rabies vaccine if I am pregnant?
Yes, if you are exposed to rabies, vaccination is recommended even during pregnancy, as the benefits outweigh any potential risks.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Long-term side effects are rare. Most side effects are mild and temporary. Serious adverse events are extremely uncommon.
What happens if I take too much Rabies vaccine?
Overdosing on the Rabies vaccine is highly unlikely as it is administered by a healthcare professional in controlled doses. However, receiving more than the recommended dose would primarily increase the risk of local injection site reactions or systemic side effects like fever. If you believe you have received an excessive dose or experience unusual symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Rabies vaccine?
Generally, there are no known direct interactions between alcohol consumption and the effectiveness of the Rabies vaccine. However, excessive alcohol intake can potentially suppress the immune system, which might theoretically impact the body's response to any vaccine. It is always advisable to consult your healthcare provider regarding alcohol consumption around the time of vaccination to ensure optimal immune response and avoid any potential complications.
Is Rabies vaccine safe during pregnancy?
The Rabies vaccine is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when indicated, particularly in situations of high risk of exposure. However, it falls under a pregnancy category that advises consultation with a doctor. It is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider, who can assess your individual circumstances and make the most appropriate recommendation for vaccination during pregnancy.
What is the mechanism of action of Rabies vaccine?
The rabies vaccine contains inactivated (killed) rabies virus. It stimulates the immune system to produce virus-neutralizing antibodies, providing active immunity against rabies. These antibodies prevent the rabies virus from entering the nervous system and causing disease if exposure occurs. (2)
What is the generic name of Rabies Vaccine?
The generic name is Rabies vaccine. It is sold under brand names including RabAvert, Verorab, Abhayrab, Vaxirab-N, Rabipur, Imovax Rabies.
What class of drug is Rabies vaccine?
Rabies Vaccine is classed as: Vaccines & Immunization.
References
- Rabies vaccine — clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- RabAvert (Rabies Vaccine) full prescribing informationU.S. National Library of Medicine · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Rabies vaccine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
India
- Rabivax-S2.5 IU per 1 mL vial · Serum Institute Of India Ltd
- Abhayrab2.5 IU per 0.5 mL · Indian Immunologicals Ltd
- Indirab2.5 IU per 0.5 mL vial · Bharat Biotech
- Vaxirab1500 IU per 1 mL vial (as listed) · Zydus Cadila