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What are the side effects of the rabies vaccine?

Mar 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, rabies vaccine refers to the vaccine for rabies. Side effects of the rabies vaccine include fever, headache and dizziness, fatigue and muscle pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, and others. In daily life, after receiving the rabies vaccine, one should remain at the vaccination site for approximately 30 minutes of observation, so that prompt medical treatment can be provided in case of severe reactions such as acute allergy.

Generally speaking, rabies vaccine refers to the vaccine for rabies. Side effects of the rabies vaccine include fever, headache and dizziness, fatigue and muscle pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, etc. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Fever

Some people may develop a fever after receiving the rabies vaccine, usually a low-grade fever around 37.5°C. A few individuals might experience high fever exceeding 38.5°C. This is an immune response of the body to the vaccine; the antigen components in the vaccine stimulate the immune system, releasing pyrogens, which cause elevated body temperature. Fever typically appears within 1-3 days after vaccination and can resolve spontaneously within 1-2 days.

2. Headache and Dizziness

Some individuals may experience headache and dizziness after receiving the rabies vaccine. This may be related to the systemic immune response caused by the vaccine or individual sensitivity to certain components of the vaccine, which may affect the normal function of the nervous system. Generally, the symptoms are mild, and most people recover on their own within a few days.

3. Fatigue and Muscle Pain

After vaccination, the body's immune system is activated, consuming energy and nutrients. Inflammatory mediators may also be released, leading to symptoms such as general fatigue and muscle pain. These symptoms are usually most noticeable within 2-3 days after vaccination and then gradually subside.

4. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

The immune response to the vaccine may affect the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract, causing intestinal motility disorders, abnormal secretion of digestive fluids, and other issues. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may occur. These symptoms generally appear within 1-2 days after vaccination and last for a short duration.

5. Allergic Reactions

A very small number of individuals may be allergic to certain components of the rabies vaccine. After vaccination, symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, and hives may appear. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur, presenting as difficulty breathing, decreased blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and requiring immediate emergency treatment. Such reactions generally occur within minutes to hours after vaccination.

In daily life, after receiving the rabies vaccine, it is important to remain at the vaccination site for about 30 minutes for observation, so that prompt treatment can be provided if severe reactions such as acute allergy occur. At the same time, after vaccination, keep the injection site clean and dry, avoid scratching and rubbing to prevent local infection and worsening of adverse reactions.

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In general, after receiving the rabies vaccine, it is important to follow dietary restrictions, avoid alcohol consumption, refrain from strenuous exercise, prevent wound infection, and use other medications cautiously. In daily life, it is recommended to avoid contact with stray animals as much as possible to reduce the risk of animal bites or scratches. If keeping pets at home, ensure they receive regular rabies vaccinations and maintain their overall health through proper management.
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How long does the rabies vaccine booster provide protection?
The protective effect of a rabies vaccine booster can last from 6 months to 3 years, varying individually. The duration of protection is influenced by multiple factors, including personal physical condition, vaccination status, wound management, and healing. Generally, the vaccine provides the most significant protection within 3 to 6 months after receiving the booster, which is referred to as the absolute protection period.
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What are the side effects of the rabies vaccine?
In general, rabies vaccine refers to the vaccine for rabies. Possible side effects of the rabies vaccine may include pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, allergic shock, nausea, and muscle aches. After vaccination, individuals should remain at the vaccination site for 30 minutes of observation to monitor for any adverse reactions. If severe allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, pallor, or palpitations occur, timely medical treatment can be provided.
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Which groups of people need to receive the rabies vaccine in advance?
Individuals who have long-term contact with animals, laboratory workers handling rabies virus, rabies disease managers, close contacts of rabies virus, and high-risk travelers should receive rabies vaccination. Since these individuals have a higher risk of rabies virus infection, timely vaccination can provide certain preventive effects and reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
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What are the side effects of the rabies vaccine?
Under normal circumstances, rabies is a disease with an extremely high fatality rate, and vaccination can effectively prevent rabies. Possible side effects include local reactions at the injection site, systemic fever reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort, neurological symptoms, joint pain, and others. To reduce post-vaccination discomfort, it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption, strong tea, and coffee during the rabies vaccination period.
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Does a person still need a rabies vaccination if the dog has been vaccinated?
Vaccination refers to receiving a rabies vaccine. Even if a dog has been vaccinated, a person who has been bitten still needs to receive a rabies vaccine. Although a dog may have received a rabies vaccine, this does not guarantee that the dog is completely free of the rabies virus. In addition, the effectiveness of the vaccine may be influenced by various factors, such as storage conditions of the vaccine, timing of vaccination, vaccination procedures, and individual differences in dogs.
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When is the administration time for the rabies vaccine?
The rabies vaccine should be administered as soon as possible within 24 hours after being scratched or bitten by an animal suspected of being infected with the rabies virus, to stimulate the body to produce immune antibodies and prevent rabies. Subsequent doses depend on the type of vaccine used. If a five-dose regimen is used, additional injections should be given on days 3, 7, and 14. If a four-dose regimen is used, after the first injection, subsequent doses should be administered on days 7 and 21.
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How to administer rabies vaccine after exposure
The rabies vaccine should be administered within 24 hours after exposure. Currently, individuals can choose an appropriate vaccination schedule based on their specific circumstances, such as the four-dose or five-dose regimen. The four-dose regimen typically involves receiving two doses on the first day, followed by one dose each on day 7 and day 21. The five-dose regimen involves receiving one dose on the first day, followed by one dose each on day 3, day 7, and day 21.
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