What should you know about fever after anti-rabies vaccine?

Vaccination activates the immune system, so short-lived fever, tiredness, headache or soreness near the injection can occur. These effects do not mean the vaccine has caused rabies. Fever may instead be an unrelated infection or an allergic reaction if it begins with facial swelling, widespread hives, wheezing or faintness. Because rabies exposure can be life-threatening, a reaction should not lead you to stop the planned post-exposure course without speaking with the treating team.

Rest, drink fluids and check your temperature if you feel hot. Use a cool cloth for comfort and ask a pharmacist which fever medicine is appropriate for you. Keep your next appointment and carry the vaccine record. Tell the clinic about previous vaccine reactions, allergies, pregnancy, immune conditions and every medicine you take. Contact the vaccination service if symptoms are worsening rather than settling.

Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, widespread hives, collapse, severe weakness, confusion or a seizure. Get prompt medical advice for a high or persistent fever, repeated vomiting, severe headache, rapidly spreading redness, or increasing pain at the injection site. Report any missed dose to the service promptly so the schedule can be reviewed.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a vaccine reaction, which medicine is safe, whether your schedule changes, and which signs should prompt emergency care.