Rabies vaccine

The rabies vaccine is an inactivated biologic used to prevent infection by the rabies virus. It works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the rabies virus, providing active immunization. The primary indication is for pre-exposure prophylaxis in individuals at high risk of exposure (such as veterinarians or laboratory workers) and for post-exposure prophylaxis following potential exposure to a potentially infected animal. Several formulations exist globally; most are produced using fixed strains of the virus grown in cell cultures (e.g., human diploid cells or purified chick embryo cells), then inactivated with agents such as beta-propiolactone[5][6]. The first effective human rabies vaccines were developed by Louis Pasteur and Émile Roux in 1885; modern versions are much safer and more effective. Vaccines are administered intramuscularly or intradermally and can be given to all age groups[3][5]. After a full course of treatment, long-lasting immunity develops. Post-exposure use is almost always indicated due to the near-100% fatality rate of untreated symptomatic disease.

Brand names

RabAvertRabipurRabivax

Other names

rabies vaccinehuman diploid cell vaccinepurified chick embryo cell vaccineinactivated rabies virus vaccine