Rabies Vaccine: What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Receiving Rabies Vaccine

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving rabies vaccine?

Tell your doctor if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the rabies vaccine or a component of the vaccine.

People at high risk of exposure to rabies include veterinarians, animal handlers, rabies laboratory workers, spelunkers, rabies biologics production workers, or anyone who is likely to come in contact with infected animals or the virus itself. These people should be offered rabies vaccine.

Before receiving rabies vaccine, talk to your doctor if you:

• have HIV or AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system;
• are taking an antimalarial drug;
• are taking a medication that affects the immune system (e.g. steroids, anti-rejection medications);
• have cancer; or
• are receiving cancer treatment with x-rays, radiation, or medication.

Ask your healthcare provider for more information. Rabies vaccine may not be recommended in some cases.

People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. Those who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting rabies vaccine. However, if you have been exposed to the rabies virus, you should get the vaccine regardless of any other illnesses you may have.

Talk to your doctor before receiving rabies vaccine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

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Last updated:	June 14, 2006