Name of the Procedure:

Rabies Vaccine, for Intramuscular Use
(Common names: Rabies shot, Rabies immunization)

Summary

The rabies vaccine is a preventive treatment given through an injection into the muscle to protect against the rabies virus, which is normally transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

Purpose

The rabies vaccine is used to prevent rabies, a serious viral infection that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The goal of the vaccination is to stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies against the rabies virus.

Indications

• Bite or scratch from an animal suspected to have rabies
• Exposure to bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, or other wild animals known to carry rabies
• Pre-exposure immunization for individuals at high risk (veterinarians, animal handlers, certain laboratory workers, travelers to high-risk areas)

Preparation

• No special fasting or dietary restrictions required
• Inform healthcare provider of any allergies, especially to previous vaccines
• Discuss any current medications or medical conditions
• Pre-exposure: May require a series of three injections over 1 month
• Post-exposure: May require rabies immunoglobulin in addition to multiple vaccine doses

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare professional will clean the injection site, usually the deltoid muscle of the arm.
2. Using a sterile syringe, the rabies vaccine will be injected into the muscle.
3. Post-exposure prophylaxis might include an initial dose of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) administered near the site of the bite, followed by a series of rabies vaccine injections over 14-28 days.

Duration

Each injection takes a few minutes. The complete series for post-exposure prophylaxis may extend over several weeks.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic
• Emergency department
• Travel clinic

Personnel

• Nurse
• Physician
• Healthcare provider trained in vaccine administration

Risks and Complications

• Common: Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, headache
• Rare: Allergic reaction, Guillain-Barré syndrome (extremely rare)

Benefits

• Effective prevention of rabies when administered appropriately
• Protection becomes effective within 7-10 days after series completion
• High survival rate if given promptly post-exposure

Recovery

• Minimal recovery time
• Normal activities can typically be resumed immediately
• Follow-up injections are crucial if it’s part of a post-exposure series
• Notify healthcare provider of any severe side effects

Alternatives

• No alternative provides the same level of protection against rabies.
• Post-exposure, there is no alternative; immediate vaccination is crucial.
• Pre-exposure: no true alternatives, although emphasis on avoiding high-risk situations may reduce need for vaccination.

Patient Experience

• A brief, sharp sting at the injection site.
• Mild soreness that may last for a few days.
• Most people experience little to no discomfort after the injection.
• Pain associated with the series of injections can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.