What should you know about human diploid cell vaccine?

Rabies can follow a bite, scratch or saliva contact from an infected animal, and symptoms may not begin immediately. The vaccine trains the immune system to recognise the virus. Some people receive rabies vaccination before a high-risk occupation or travel; others need a post-exposure course after contact with an animal. The schedule and whether additional rabies immunoglobulin is needed depend on the wound, animal, exposure and previous vaccination history.

Wash a bite or scratch thoroughly with soap and running water, then seek urgent medical assessment even if the wound looks small. Do not wait to see whether the animal becomes unwell. Tell the clinician what happened, when it occurred, where the animal is, and whether it can be observed or tested. Bring any vaccination record. Follow the prescribed rabies post-exposure prophylaxis schedule closely.

Seek urgent care after any possible contact with saliva from a potentially infected animal, especially a bite or scratch that breaks the skin. Go immediately for a deep wound, exposure near the face or neck, multiple wounds, or contact involving a child. After vaccination, urgent help is needed for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, collapse or a rapidly spreading allergic rash.

Ask whether you need post-exposure prophylaxis, how many visits are planned, and whether wound care or rabies immunoglobulin is indicated. Confirm what to do if an appointment is delayed or a dose is missed.