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. RabAvert is for use in adults and children.

Like any vaccine, the RabAvert may not provide protection from disease in every person.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

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 on Days 3, 7, 14 and 28. With the first shot you may also receive a separate injection of rabies immune globulin. This injection is given directly into or near the bite wound or injury where the rabies virus is likely to have entered your body.

For people who have received a RabAvert in the past: You will need only 2 this medicine injections for post-exposure prevention, spaced 3 days apart. You will not need the immune globulin shot.

The timing of this vaccination is very important for it to be effective. Your individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the health department of the state you live in.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine or you may not be fully protected against disease.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life threatening allergic reaction to a RabAvert.

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.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a booster dose or if you get behind schedule.

An overdose of RabAvert is unlikely to occur.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with rabies is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Call your doctor at once if you have rare but serious side effects, such as:

• a very high fever;

• tingling or a prickly feeling in your fingers or toes;

• weakness or unusual feeling in your arms and legs; or

• problems with balance or eye movement, trouble speaking or swallowing.

Common side effects of RabAvert may include:

• pain, redness, or a hard lump where the shot was given;

• fever, flu symptoms, weakness, general ill feeling;

• headache, feeling tired;

• dizziness;

• muscle or joint pain;

• nausea; or

• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Also tell the doctor if you have recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• steroid medicine;

• cancer treatments;

• medicine to treat or prevent malaria;

• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or

• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

If you are using any of these medications, you may not be able to receive the vaccine, or may need to wait until the other treatments are finished.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.