What should you know about intramuscular rabies vaccine?

The vaccine trains the immune system to recognise rabies virus. It may be recommended before a foreseeable risk or after a bite, scratch or saliva contact involving a potentially infected animal. The route, product and schedule are selected by a healthcare professional according to the exposure and your previous vaccination history. Soreness, redness, tiredness or a mild fever can occur after an injection. The vaccine does not replace washing the wound, and it should not be delayed while waiting for symptoms.

Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water, avoid sealing it without advice, and obtain urgent medical assessment. Explain what animal was involved, where contact happened, whether the skin was broken and whether the animal is available for observation. Bring vaccination records if you have them and attend the full schedule arranged by the clinic. Read more about [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/) and [Rabies Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/rabies-vaccination/).

Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, throat or facial swelling, faintness or widespread hives after vaccination. Seek prompt clinical advice if the wound becomes increasingly painful, red or swollen, if you develop fever or feel acutely unwell, or if a scheduled dose is missed. Sudden neurological symptoms require emergency assessment.

Ask which rabies schedule applies to you, whether previous vaccination changes the plan, whether additional wound treatment is required, how to manage a delayed appointment, and which reactions need urgent attention.