The injection site swelled after receiving the rabies vaccine, and my arm hurts.

Rabies vaccine is usually administered via intramuscular injection. The needle puncture may cause minor damage to the local soft tissues, leading to redness, swelling, and pain. These are common reactions following vaccination and generally require no special treatment, resolving on their own within a few days. However, if the pain and swelling are severe or persist without improvement, they may indicate an allergic reaction or local infection. Allergic reactions might be accompanied by itching, while local infections could result from contamination of the injection site after vaccination. In addition, trauma or insect bites can also cause similar symptoms.

It is recommended to apply a cold pack or a cool, wet compress gently to the injection site, which can help alleviate pain and swelling. If the pain is severe, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken under a doctor's guidance.