Risk of Allergic Reaction to Rabies Vaccine (HDCV)
As many as 6% of people receiving booster doses of
rabies vaccine (HDCV) as part of a pre- or
postexposure vaccination regimen experience an allergic reaction. The reaction
is rare in people receiving first-time (primary) immunization.footnote 1 Symptoms include:
- Hives (urticaria).
- Pain and
inflammation of joints.
- Swelling.
- Nausea and
vomiting.
- Fever.
These symptoms are never life-threatening. If symptoms are serious,
other vaccines such as RVA or PCEC can be given instead of HDCV on the same
schedule.
Citations
- American Academy of Pediatrics (2009). Rabies. In LK Pickering et al., eds., Red Book: 2009 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 28th ed., pp. 552-559. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerMartin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Current as ofMarch 3, 2017
Current as of:
March 3, 2017
American Academy of Pediatrics (2009). Rabies. In LK Pickering et al., eds., Red Book: 2009 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 28th ed., pp. 552-559. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.