Regardless of allergies and medical conditions, including pregnancy, anyone who has been exposed to the rabies virus should seek medical attention about getting the vaccine.
Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of the rabies vaccine, or who has a weakened immune system from HIV/AIDS, steroid use, or cancer drugs may need specialized treatment, but should still receive vaccination.
Unprotected sexual intercourse does not present a risk to the partners of those undergoing PEP after an exposure to the rabies virus. The vaccine treatment will prevent you from developing rabies, and no exposure to rabies will result after intimate contact with a person receiving prophylaxis.
Yes. Both the rabies vaccine and the rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) should be administered for a suspected rabies exposure, and are considered safe for pediatric use. The recommended site of injection is the thigh for very young children and in the deltoid of older children. Rabies vaccines are used extensively worldwide in children, who constitute the largest population of exposed individuals.
With WHO-approved vaccine, side effects are mild. There may be some pain at the site of injection, swollen glands, headache, aching muscles, malaise, and shivering. In rare cases, allergic reactions such as rash, wheezing and hives, swelling of the upper respiratory tract, and itching can also occur. Serious complications are very rare.
The risks for death from rabies after exposure are far higher than any potential pain or side effects after vaccination.
In a few countries, locally-produced vaccines that are not WHO-approved are still used. Whilst some are safe and effective, there are cases where ineffective and old technology vaccines have been administered and have resulted in rare, but severe, side effects.
