What are the side effects of the rabies vaccine?

Mar 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

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.

Under normal circumstances, 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, among others. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Pain at the injection site

As a foreign substance, the rabies vaccine stimulates local tissues after injection, triggering an inflammatory response, which leads to pain. Individual sensitivity to pain varies, so the intensity and duration of pain may differ.

2. Low-grade fever

The rabies vaccine activates the human immune system. During the immune response, certain cytokines are released, which may affect the body's temperature regulation center, causing a mild increase in body temperature.

3. Allergic shock

If the patient has an allergic constitution, a severe allergic reaction to certain components of the rabies vaccine may occur, potentially causing systemic vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, which can lead to allergic shock.

4. Nausea

The immune response triggered by the rabies vaccine may affect the function of the autonomic nervous system, thereby interfering with normal gastrointestinal motility and secretion of digestive fluids, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction and nausea.

5. Muscle aches

The immune response following rabies vaccination may cause some changes in the internal environment of the body, such as lactic acid accumulation in muscle tissues and release of inflammatory mediators, resulting in muscle pain, particularly noticeable within 1-3 days after vaccination.

After vaccination, individuals should remain at the vaccination site for 30 minutes for observation to monitor for any adverse reactions. If serious allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, pallor, or palpitations occur, prompt medical treatment can be administered. Additionally, alcohol consumption, drinking strong tea or coffee, and eating irritating foods such as chili peppers, onions, and garlic should be avoided during the rabies vaccination period.

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What are the post-vaccination precautions after receiving a rabies vaccine?

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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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.