Introduction
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Why get vaccinated?
Rabies vaccine may prevent rabies, a serious and usually fatal disease caused by the rabies virus. Rabies is mainly a disease of animals. Humans get rabies when they are bitten by infected animals.
Rabies vaccine is given to people at high risk of rabies to protect them if they are exposed to rabies. It can also prevent the disease if it is given to a person that has been exposed to rabies.
Infection with rabies can cause pain, fatigue, headaches, fever, and irritability. These symptoms are followed by seizures, hallucinations, paralysis, and death. These symptoms may occur weeks or even years after a bite.
Rabies vaccine does not contain live virus. The vaccine works by helping your body to make antibodies against rabies virus.
How is the vaccine given?
Rabies vaccine comes as a suspension (liquid) to be given intramuscularly (into a muscle) by a healthcare provider.
To prevent rabies prior to virus exposure in people at high risk of being exposed, it is given as 2 or 3 doses.
To prevent rabies disease after exposure to the virus, it is given as 5 doses, on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28.
An additional single-dose may be given as a "booster" if individuals remain at high risk of exposure to the virus.
What should you tell the person who is giving the vaccine?
Tell your vaccine provider if you:
In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.
What are the risks from vaccination?
Side effects that have been reported with Rabies Vaccine include:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit http://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.
How can I learn more?
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: July 15, 2026.