The rabies vaccine is available for both pre- and post-exposure. Learn about the pre-exposure rabies vaccine and how to get it.
To provide the best protection, a person should get a series of 3 shots:
A booster shot is recommended after 2 years for travel to areas where the risk of rabies is high. People working in jobs where there is a continued risk of exposure to rabies might also get boosters, depending on their level of immunity.
The pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be given to people:
The pre-exposure rabies vaccination should not be given to people who:
Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies, medications you are taking, illnesses or any previous suspected reactions to any vaccine, since they might affect the response to the vaccine.
Contact your family doctor to discuss receiving the vaccine.
It is common to have temporary soreness, redness, swelling and itching where the rabies shot was given.
Some people (5% - 40%) who receive the vaccine might have the following symptoms, which usually go away after 2 days:
See your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you develop any of the following symptoms within 3 weeks of getting the rabies vaccine: