User:Mr. Ibrahem/Rabies vaccine

Rabies vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent rabies. It is used in high risk groups before exposure to rabies virus, and can be used if an unvaccinated person comes into contact with the rabies virus. Doses are usually given by injection into muscle. The immunity that develops is long lasting after a full course. Spread of rabies to humans can also be prevented by vaccinating dogs.

It is recommended for people at high risk of coming into contact with rabies, when it is given as a course of 2 or 3 doses at 0, 7, and 21 or 28 days. A blood test every 6 to 24 months can check immunity. After exposure to the virus such as from a dog or bat bite, the vaccine is given as a course of 4 doses at 0, 3, 7 and 14 days, along with rabies immunoglobulin. People with a weakened immune system may require an additional dose at 28 days.

There are a number of vaccines available that are both safe and effective. They may be safely used in all age groups. About 40 percent of people develop a brief period of redness and pain at the injection site. About 10 percent of people may have fever, headaches, or nausea. After exposure to rabies there is no contraindication to its use. Most vaccines do not contain thimerosal. Given in pregnancy, it is not known to harm the baby.

The first rabies vaccine was introduced in 1885, and was followed by an improved version in 1908. Millions of people globally have been vaccinated and it is estimated that this saves more than 250,000 people a year. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. The wholesale cost in the developing world is between US$44 and US$78 for a course of treatment as of 2014. In the United States a course of rabies vaccine is more than US$750. In the United Kingdom it costs around £120 for a course of treatment as of 2021. In Canada it costs about $CAD230 per dose as of 2023.