Rabies Vaccine: Your Best Defense Against a Deadly Virus

Imagine a world where the fear of rabies is a thing of the past. The rabies vaccine is our best shot at turning this into reality. This life-saving preventive measure stands as a shield, guarding us against one of the deadliest viruses known to man.

Every year, tens of thousands of people worldwide are saved from the lethal jaws of rabies, thanks to the rabies vaccine. It’s not just a medical breakthrough; it’s a beacon of hope for those living in areas where the risk of rabies is a daily concern.

The thought of a rabies-free world is no longer a distant dream. With the rabies vaccine, safety is within reach. This vaccine is a testament to human ingenuity, a solution that not only protects but also reassures.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Embrace the protection that the rabies vaccine offers. It’s a simple step that could mean the difference between life and death.

Rabies is a disease that is transmitted from animal bites that have been infected by viruses. People are at risk of experiencing this disease if bitten by animals that have previously been infected with rabies viruses, such as dogs. The bad news, the disease can be very dangerous, even deadly.

People who are infected with rabies generally do not have severe symptoms, but if left unchecked, it can cause death. Well, one way to prevent such viral infections is with rabies vaccines. So, who needs this vaccine and how does the vaccine protect the body from rabies attacks?

Rabies vaccine is actually possible for anyone. But, people who have a high risk of having rabies are more recommended to be vaccinated. A group of people who are vulnerable to rabies viruses are veterinarians, ranchers, and people who do a lot of direct interaction with animals.

The rabies vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent rabies before or after exposure to the rabies virus. Rabies vaccine works by boosting the immune system in order to avoid or fight rabies viruses. The administration of rabies vaccine must be administered by doctors.

Symptoms of rabies and its handling

Both in humans and animals, rabies attacks the nervous system and causes death within a few days. The symptoms can be preceded by a change in behavior becomes more aggressive, occurring hallucinations, up to muscle stiffness.

Then, in a long time, there will be seizures and impaired consciousness. If such a condition has occurred, it is generally very difficult for the sufferer to heal.

Therefore, if a person is bitten by a dog or other animal that potentially transmit rabies, then the fast handling and prevention of rabies needs to be done. One of them is with the administration of anti-rabies vaccine.

Understanding Rabies and Its Vaccine

Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system, leading to fatal encephalitis in almost all cases once symptoms appear. The rabies vaccine, an incredible scientific achievement, provides immunity against this virus.

How the Vaccine Works:

• The vaccine stimulates the body to produce antibodies against the rabies virus.
• It’s typically administered before exposure (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or immediately after exposure (post-exposure prophylaxis).

Who Needs the Vaccine:

• Individuals at high risk, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, and travelers to certain areas.
• Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of having rabies.

For more detailed information on the rabies vaccine, including its administration protocol, visit the CDC’s official page on rabies vaccines.

The Importance of Rabies Vaccination

The rabies vaccine is not just a medical necessity; it’s a societal responsibility. By vaccinating, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to the global fight against rabies.

Benefits of Vaccination:

• Prevents the spread of rabies from animals to humans.
• Reduces the need for extensive treatment after exposure.

Global Impact:

• Mass vaccination of dogs has significantly reduced rabies cases worldwide.
• The vaccine is a key component in the WHO’s goal to eliminate human rabies deaths by 2030.

Protecting our furry friends is just as important, and our article on dog vaccination schedules offers valuable knowledge for pet owners seeking to prevent rabies in their pets

Anti Rabies Vaccine Types

There are two types of anti-rabies vaccine:

Anti-Rabies vaccine (VAR)

VAR is an anti-rabies drug that works by stimulating the body’s immune system to form immunity against rabies viruses.

In people needing VAR, the doctor will inject this vaccine in as many as two injections; One injection in the right arm and one injection in the left arm. Then, the VAR injections will be repeated again one and two weeks later.

Anti-Rabies Serum (SAR)

In different ways it works with VAR, SAR is useful to neutralize the rabies toxin that enters immediately after someone is bitten by a dog. The SAR is generally given only once by means of being injected around a dog bite wound.

Drug dosage

Each person’s dose must vary. Be sure to always consult a physician before using the vaccine.

Intramuscular (through muscle)

Prevention before exposure to rabies virus

• Older persons: Primary Immunization: 1 ml on Day 0, 7, and 28 (third dose can be administered on the 21st day if necessary).
• Strengthening dose: People who are mildly or sustained risk: 1 ml administered after 1 year of primary immunization, then administered again 1 ml every 3-5 years.
• People who are at risk of intermittent (paused): The dose is given as per official recommendation.
• Children: Same as older person’s dose

Intramuscular (through muscle)

Prevention after exposure to rabies virus

• Older persons: a person who is not immunized or immunized is incomplete: 1 ml on day 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28. Alternatively, the fifth dose can be administered on the 30th day.
• The people who are fully immunized: 1 ml on day 0 and 3.
• Child: Same as older persons

Who needs rabies vaccine?

Actually, this vaccine can be done by anyone. However, the person who is encouraged to do rabies vaccine is a person who is at high risk of being infected by the virus.

The group of people are veterinarians, animal farmers, laboratory workers or animal-related researchers, and other professions that make direct contact with animals.

If you are one of the risks of being infected with rabies viruses, you should immediately do the vaccine. Because, rabies virus infection has caused at least 95,000 people die annually, according to the World Health Organization data.

FAQs About Rabies Vaccine