Rabies vaccine (purified chick embryo cell)
Generic name: rabies vaccine (purified chick embryo cell) [ RAY-beez-vax-EEN ]
Brand name: RabAvert
Dosage form: intramuscular powder for injection (2.5 intl units)
Drug class:Viral vaccines
What is rabies vaccine (purified chick embryo cell)?
You are more likely to be exposed to the rabies virus if you are a veterinarian, animal handler, rabies laboratory worker, or may otherwise come into contact with animals that may carry the virus (including cats, dogs, foxes, skunks, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, and bats). Traveling to certain countries may also increase your risk of exposure to rabies.
Rabies purified chick embryo cell vaccine is used to protect people who have been bitten by animals (post-exposure) or otherwise may be exposed to the rabies virus (pre-exposure).
This vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. Rabies vaccine is for use in adults and children.
Like any vaccine, the rabies vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life threatening allergic reaction to a rabies vaccine.
Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor if you have:
a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine);
any type of infection or severe illness;
an allergy to eggs, chicken, or beef proteins; or
a history of allergic reaction to gelatin, tetracycline, amphotericin B, or neomycin.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How is a rabies vaccine given?
This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.
For pre-exposure prevention of rabies, you will need to receive a total of 3 shots. The second shot is usually given 7 days after the first, followed by a third shot 2 or 3 weeks later.
If you have a continued risk of exposure to rabies, you may need to receive the preventive vaccine series every 2 years. If you work around live rabies virus, such as in a laboratory or a vaccine production area, you may need a booster vaccine every 6 months. You might need frequent blood tests to determine your need for further preventive vaccination.
For post-exposure prevention after you have been bitten or exposed to rabies, you will need to receive a total of 5 shots. The first shot is given as soon as possible, and the rest are usually given...
