What should you know about Versiguard rabies?

Versiguard is a rabies vaccine brand. Rabies is a serious infection that can spread through saliva from an infected mammal, commonly through a bite, scratch, or saliva contacting broken skin or the eyes, mouth, or nose. Vaccination prepares the immune system to recognise the virus. Whether vaccination is needed, and which schedule is appropriate, depends on the exposure, the animal, local guidance, and any previous rabies vaccination.

A vaccine given before exposure is called pre-exposure vaccination and may be considered for people whose work or activities bring them into contact with animals or remote settings. After a possible exposure, vaccination may form part of post-exposure prophylaxis. It is not a substitute for washing the wound and obtaining prompt clinical advice.

Move away from the animal safely, then wash a bite or scratch with soap and running water for a prolonged rinse. Do not seal a puncture wound with glue or tightly cover it before assessment. Seek medical care urgently, even if the wound looks small and even if the animal appears well. Tell the clinician what animal was involved, where the contact happened, when it occurred, whether saliva reached a wound or mucous membrane, and whether you have received rabies vaccine before.

A clinician may recommend a course of [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/). For prevention before an exposure, discuss [Rabies Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/rabies-vaccination/) with a qualified clinician rather than starting doses on your own.

Treat any possible rabies exposure as time-sensitive: contact an emergency department, urgent-care service, or public-health medical service as soon as possible after a bite, scratch, or saliva contact. Go immediately for a deep wound, an exposure to the face, head, neck, hands, or genitals, multiple wounds, or contact involving a child. Also seek care if the animal cannot be safely observed or tested. Do not wait for symptoms; once rabies symptoms begin, treatment is extremely difficult.

Ask: Do I need rabies post-exposure treatment for this contact? Does my previous vaccination change the plan? Do I need treatment for tetanus or a wound infection as well? Should the animal be reported, observed, or tested, and how should I avoid further contact?