Rabies Vaccine (Systemic)
Category- Immunizing agent, active - Rabies Vaccine Adsorbed; Rabies Vaccine, Human Diploid Cell
DescriptionRabies (RAY-beez)Vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent
infection caused by the rabies virus. The vaccine works by causing your body
to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the rabies virus.
Rabies vaccine is used in two ways. Rabies vaccine is given to persons
who have been exposed (for example, by a bite, scratch, or lick) to an animal
that is known, or thought, to have rabies. This is called post-exposure prophylaxis.
Rabies vaccine may also be given ahead of time to persons who have a high
risk of getting infected with rabies virus. These persons include veterinarians,
animal handlers, travelers who will spend more than 1 month in countries having
a high rate of rabies infection, and persons who live, work, or take vacations
in wild areas of the country where they are likely to come into contact with
wild animals. This is called pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Rabies infection is a serious, and often fatal, infection. In the U.S.,
rabies in wild animals, especially raccoons, skunks, and bats, accounts for
most cases of rabies passed on to humans, pets, and other domestic animals.
In Canada, the animals most often infected with rabies are foxes, skunks,
bats, dogs, and cats. Horses, swine, and cattle also have been known to become
infected with rabies. In much of the rest of the world, including Latin America,
Africa, and Asia, dogs account for most cases of rabies passed on to humans.
If you are being (or will be) treated for a possible rabies infection while
traveling outside of the U.S. or Canada, contact your doctor as soon as you
return to the U.S. or Canada, since it may be necessary for you to have additional
treatment.
This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of
your doctor or other health care professional. It is available in the following
dosage form:
Parenteral
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
Other commonly used names are: HDCV RVA
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Note:
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For quick reference, the following rabies vaccines are numbered
to match the corresponding brand names.
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| This information applies to the following vaccines: |
| 1. |
Rabies Vaccine Adsorbed†‡ |
| 2. |
Rabies Vaccine, Human Diploid Cell§ |
| † Not commercially available in Canada |
| ‡ Generic name product may be available
in the U.S. |
| § Generic name product may be available
in Canada |
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