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.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.
| Author: | Amy Fackler, MA Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: September 19, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology | |
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