What to expect from rabies post-exposure prophylaxis after an animal bite

A clinician considers the animal, the circumstances of contact, the wound, and your previous rabies vaccination. The wound is washed thoroughly. Rabies vaccine teaches the immune system to respond, while rabies immunoglobulin can provide immediate local protection for certain exposures and is placed around the wound when appropriate.

The course may involve more than one visit. The exact schedule depends on the exposure and vaccination history, so keep the appointment record and follow the dates given by the treating service.

Wash the wound with running water and soap as soon as possible, then seek urgent medical assessment. Do not wait to see whether the animal becomes unwell. Tell the clinician when the contact occurred, whether saliva touched broken skin or mucous membranes, and whether the animal can be safely observed or tested.

Return for every scheduled vaccine visit. Keep the wound clean, take prescribed treatment as directed, and report any previous vaccine allergy or immune-system condition.

Seek emergency care immediately for a deep wound, uncontrolled bleeding, injury to the face or neck, trouble breathing, or rapidly increasing swelling. Contact the treatment service promptly if you miss a dose, develop signs of wound infection, or have facial swelling or difficulty breathing after an injection.

Ask whether your exposure needs vaccine alone or vaccine plus immunoglobulin, which dates you must return, and what to do if an appointment is missed. Ask how the animal should be reported or observed safely.