Types of anti-rabies vaccine

Preventive rabies vaccination may be considered for people whose work, travel or activities bring them into contact with animals or rabies laboratory material. It prepares the immune system before an exposure, but it does not remove the need for medical assessment after a bite or scratch.

Post-exposure care is different. A clinician assesses the animal, the wound and any previous rabies vaccination. Treatment can include vaccine and, for some exposures, rabies immunoglobulin placed around the wound. The products and timing must be selected by a healthcare professional.

Wash a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin immediately with running water and soap, then seek urgent medical care. Do not wait to see whether the animal becomes unwell. Bring details of the animal, the time and place of contact, the wound, and any vaccination record.

A clinician may recommend a post-exposure course even when the wound looks small. Follow every appointment and do not stop because the animal cannot be found or because you feel well. Rabies prevention is time-sensitive.

Seek urgent care after any possible contact with saliva from a potentially infected mammal, especially a bite, scratch, or saliva touching the eyes, mouth or broken skin. Go promptly for wounds to the face, head, neck or hands, or if the animal is unavailable for observation. New confusion, difficulty swallowing or unusual sensitivity to air or water is an emergency.

Ask whether you need preventive vaccination or post-exposure prophylaxis, whether immunoglobulin is indicated, which schedule applies, and how previous rabies doses change the plan. Confirm where each dose will be given and what to do if an appointment is missed.