How long does the rabies vaccine provide protection?

May 17, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Feng

Introduction

The protective period of the rabies vaccine generally lasts 3 to 5 years. Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by the rabies virus. Clinically, it typically presents with symptoms such as hydrophobia, aerophobia, and pharyngeal muscle spasms. After receiving the rabies vaccine, humans usually require about 1 to 2 weeks for antibody seroconversion to reach 100%, thereby conferring immunity.

Rabies vaccine generally refers to the rabies virus vaccine, with a protective duration typically lasting 3 to 5 years. Specific details are as follows:

Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by the rabies virus. Clinical manifestations usually include hydrophobia, abnormal sensitivity to wind, pharyngeal muscle spasms, and other symptoms. After receiving the rabies vaccine, it generally takes about 1–2 weeks for humans to achieve a 100% seroconversion rate of antibodies, thereby acquiring immunity. The produced antibodies usually remain in the body for approximately 3 to 5 years, and in some individuals may last more than 10 years. However, for individuals at high risk of exposure or those who have previously received rabies vaccination, whether re-vaccination is needed after being bitten by an animal again should still be determined based on specific circumstances. For example, if someone is accidentally bitten by a carnivorous animal, they must receive the rabies vaccine as soon as possible within 24 hours, because there is no specific treatment for rabies, and vaccination is highly effective for prevention.

It is recommended that patients maintain a balanced diet after receiving the rabies vaccine, avoiding spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods to prevent interference with vaccine efficacy.

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Is a single adenovirus vaccine shot administered nine months ago still effective?

Nine months ago, received one dose of adenovirus vaccine. After adenovirus vaccination, the body produces specific antibodies, which in most cases can persist for a relatively long time. Since nine months has not exceeded the typical protection period, the vaccine can still provide certain protective effects against the adenovirus types covered by the vaccine, reducing both the risk of infection and the severity of symptoms if infected.

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What are inactivated vaccines?

In general, inactivated vaccines are prepared by killing pathogens using physical or chemical methods. Common types include inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, inactivated hepatitis A vaccine, inactivated poliovirus vaccine, inactivated rabies vaccine, and inactivated influenza vaccine. Before vaccination, individuals should truthfully report their health status, and after vaccination, they should monitor for local reactions.

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Do I need a rabies vaccine if bitten by a cat and the skin is broken?

If a cat has not been vaccinated, its immune status is unknown, or it has been bitten by a stray cat, the wound should be immediately flushed with soap and water for more than 15 minutes regardless of whether it is bleeding, and rabies vaccination should be administered as soon as possible. If the wound is deep or bleeding, rabies immunoglobulin should also be infiltrated around the wound to provide immediate protection.