HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The Side Effects Of Rabies Vaccine?

default
Posted on Tue, 2 Sep 2014
Question: Hi Doc! I have got bitten by a stray dog about one and a half month ago. I took complete PEP with out delay. Now I came to know about some incidents where people died in spite of taking rabies Vaccines. This has freaked me out a lot. Is it possible to get rabies even after the vaccination? Your thoughts please.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Detail follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
Usually if you receive PEP with in proper time you are considered safe from rabies until and unless bite is very severe.
However for 100% safety we advise Intravenous Immunoglobulins which are preformed antibodies. While the vaccine you receive are antigens which stimulate the immune system to prepare antibodies
The instances where people have died are extremely rare and usually occur due to delayed injection, severe bite from a rabid dog, improperly or expired vaccine use.
You have received vaccine on time and now its too late to receive immunoglobulins.
So don't worry. Nothing has to be done now.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (14 minutes later)
I have asked my doctor regarding Immunoglobulin and he said that the bite is small (in the right leg little finger) Immunoglobulin was not required also he said that immunoglobulin provides passive protection only for about 14days. Now as its already about one and a half month so no need to worry about immunoglobulin as Vaccines are providing active protection. Doc, your thoughts please.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Detail follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Your doctor is right. This is what o have explaibed you. Immunoglobulibs are preformed antibodies they act immediately and provide protection but we advise them in severe bites only.
Now your body already has antibodies as a result of vaccination.
So nothing to worry now.
If you have any further query please ask me else close the discussion and rate it.
Stay Healthy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (16 minutes later)
Thanks Doc, But is it possible to get tested for Seroconversion as some where I have read that sometimes person dosent respond for the vaccines? (There was an article in Times of XXXXXXX In XXXXXXX tow person went in coma because of rabies one of them was vaccinated).
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Detail follows.

Detailed Answer:
See I don't regularly advise such testings.
Moreover common complications after rabies vaccination use to be Gullein Barre Syndrome.
Currently I advise you just to relax. Nothing to worry.
Stay Healthy
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3071 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Are The Side Effects Of Rabies Vaccine?

Brief Answer: Detail follows. Detailed Answer: Dear Friend. Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern. Usually if you receive PEP with in proper time you are considered safe from rabies until and unless bite is very severe. However for 100% safety we advise Intravenous Immunoglobulins which are preformed antibodies. While the vaccine you receive are antigens which stimulate the immune system to prepare antibodies The instances where people have died are extremely rare and usually occur due to delayed injection, severe bite from a rabid dog, improperly or expired vaccine use. You have received vaccine on time and now its too late to receive immunoglobulins. So don't worry. Nothing has to be done now. If you have any further query please ask me.