Which groups of people need to receive the rabies vaccine in advance?
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
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.
Generally speaking, rabies vaccine refers to the vaccine for rabies. It is usually recommended that individuals who have long-term contact with animals, work in rabies virus laboratories, manage rabies cases, have close contact with the rabies virus, or travel to high-risk areas receive regular rabies vaccinations. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Individuals with Long-term Animal Contact
Those who need to maintain prolonged contact with animals such as dogs, cats, and wolves generally need to receive regular rabies vaccinations. This especially includes veterinarians and animal handlers, as these individuals have a higher probability of contracting the rabies virus.
2. Rabies Virus Laboratory Workers
For those engaged in rabies virus research professionally and who perform virus extraction daily, there is a high likelihood of exposure to the rabies virus, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Therefore, it is necessary for these individuals to be vaccinated.
3. Rabies Case Managers
In hospitals that specifically admit rabies patients, medical staff may come into daily contact with patients' body fluids and secretions, posing a risk of infection. Therefore, vaccination against rabies is necessary for prevention.
4. Close Contacts of Rabies Virus
If family members or friends are infected with the rabies virus and there is frequent daily contact, it is also advisable to receive the rabies vaccine to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
5. Travelers to High-risk Areas
For those planning to travel to areas where rabies infection is common, receiving the rabies vaccine before departure can help reduce the risk of infection, thus achieving preventive effects in advance.
If you fall into any of the above categories and need vaccination, it is recommended to consult a doctor first for a comprehensive assessment. Additionally, regular care after vaccination is necessary to prevent infections from other pathogens at the injection site.
