What should you know about the rabies jab?

Rabies can be transmitted when saliva or nervous tissue from an infected mammal enters the body through a bite, scratch, or contact with the eyes, mouth, or an open wound. Once symptoms develop, rabies is a medical emergency. Prompt post-exposure care can prevent infection from taking hold.

There are two main reasons someone may be offered rabies vaccination. Pre-exposure vaccination may be considered for people whose work, travel, or activities could bring them into close contact with animals. Post-exposure vaccination is part of urgent care after a possible exposure and may be combined with rabies immunoglobulin, depending on the wound and the person's previous vaccination history.

A clinician assesses the animal, the type and location of contact, whether the skin was broken, and whether the animal can be observed or tested. The decision is not based on the wound alone. A vaccine course may involve several doses scheduled over time, so keep every appointment given by the treating team.

Wash a bite or scratch immediately with plenty of soap and running water. If available, use an appropriate antiseptic afterwards, but do not delay medical care while looking for one. Do not seal the wound with household glue or attempt to catch an animal yourself.

Contact urgent medical services as soon as possible, even if the injury looks small and even if the animal has been vaccinated. Take details about the animal, the time and place of contact, the wound, and any previous rabies vaccination. A clinician may also assess the need for tetanus protection, wound treatment, and antibiotics.

Seek urgent medical assessment after any bite or scratch from a mammal that could carry rabies, or when saliva from such an animal touches broken skin, the eyes, or the mouth. Also seek advice after handling a bat if contact may have occurred but is uncertain.

Go to emergency care for heavy bleeding, a deep wound, injury to the face, hand, eye, or genitals, or signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever. Do not wait for symptoms of rabies before seeking help; prevention must begin before symptoms appear.

Ask which rabies treatment is recommended for this exposure, how many appointments are needed, and when each dose should be given. Ask whether rabies immunoglobulin, tetanus protection, wound closure, or antibiotics are appropriate, and what to do if an appointment is missed.