What should you know about intradermal anti rabies vaccine?

Intradermal vaccination places the needle within the skin rather than deep into muscle. A trained clinician chooses the route, product, dose and schedule; these details depend on whether vaccination is being used before exposure or after a bite, scratch or saliva contact. The vaccine helps the immune system recognise rabies virus, but it is not a substitute for immediate wound care. A small local lump, redness or soreness can occur. Fever or tiredness may also follow vaccination and usually settles, but the care team should know about unusual or worsening symptoms.

Wash a bite or scratch promptly with soap and running water, then seek urgent medical assessment even if the wound looks minor. Tell the clinician what animal was involved, whether it can be observed, when contact occurred and whether skin was broken. Take your vaccination record if available and attend every scheduled visit. Do not delay care while deciding whether the animal appeared well. More detail is available in [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/) and [Rabies Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/rabies-vaccination/).

Get emergency help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, faintness or widespread hives after a dose. Contact the vaccination service promptly if a scheduled dose is missed, the wound becomes increasingly red or painful, or you develop fever or neurological symptoms. Rabies exposure requires urgent professional assessment rather than home observation.

Ask why the intradermal route is appropriate, which doses are due and on what dates, whether wound treatment or immune globulin is needed, and what to do if an appointment is delayed.