What should you know about Imovax rabies vaccine?

Imovax cannot cause rabies because it uses inactivated virus material. It may be recommended before travel or work that increases the chance of contact with animals, or after a bite, scratch, or saliva exposure. After an exposure, the schedule depends on whether you were vaccinated before and on the nature of the contact. People who have not completed prior vaccination may also need rabies immune globulin at the wound as part of post-exposure prophylaxis. The vaccine does not replace immediate wound washing.

After a possible exposure, wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water and attend an urgent care service without waiting for symptoms. Bring details about the animal, the contact, the wound, and any previous rabies doses. For preventive vaccination, tell the clinician about immune conditions, medicines, pregnancy, allergies, and the kind of exposure risk you expect. Keep every appointment in the schedule given to you; do not restart or add doses yourself if one is delayed.

Seek urgent assessment after any potentially infectious bite, scratch, or saliva contact, even if you feel well. Rabies prevention must begin before symptoms appear. Get emergency help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, collapse, or a severe reaction after vaccination. Contact the clinic if redness, warmth, swelling, or pain at the injection site is worsening, or if fever or other symptoms concern you.

Do I need preventive vaccination or post-exposure care? How many appointments are planned for my situation? Do I also need rabies immune globulin? What should I do if I miss an appointment or develop a reaction?