Chirorab Vaccine

Chirorab Vaccine is given by injection by a doctor or nurse. It is administered post thorough washing (for about 15 minutes, with soap and copious amounts of water) of all bite wounds as early as possible. The sooner treatment is begun after exposure, the better. Post-exposure anti-rabies vaccination should always include administration of both Immunoglobulin and vaccine, with the exception of persons who have previously received complete vaccination regimens. It is very very important to complete the course of the vaccine to prevent this fatal disease.

The most common side effects include pain, joint pain, vaccination site redness as well as swelling. They do not normally last very long. Sitting or lying down can sometimes help. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worry you.

Before having the injection, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a vaccine. Some other medicines may react with the rabies vaccine, so let your doctor know about all the medicine you are taking as well.

Prevention of Rabies

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Chirorab Vaccine is an inactivated vaccine. It helps develop immunity by forming antibodies, which are proteins that protect against infection caused by viruses.

If you miss a dose of Chirorab Vaccine, please consult your doctor.

Chirorab Vaccine helps prevent rabies.

It is given as an injection into the muscle of the upper arm.

If you are at risk of being bitten, the vaccine is given as a course of three injections on days 0, 7 and 28. A booster dose is needed one year after completing this course.

If you have been immunized against rabies and bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies, two doses of the vaccine are needed, first on the day of the bite and second on day 3 after the bite.

If you have not been immunized against rabies and bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies, the first injection of rabies vaccine should be given as soon as possible after the bite. This is followed by four further doses on days 3, 7, 14 and 30.

Do not take Chirorab Vaccine if you have a weak immune system.

Q. How does rabies spread?

The rabies virus is transmitted in the saliva of infected animals. People usually become infected with the virus if they get bitten by an infected animal. However, any contact with the saliva of an infected animal (alive or dead) can potentially lead to rabies infection if the person has an opening in the skin or the saliva gets into their eyes, nose or mouth.

Q. Is rabies preventable?

Rabies is a 100% preventable disease. Proper wound management and simultaneous administration of Chirorab Vaccine combined with rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is considered invariably effective in preventing rabies, even after high-risk exposure.

Q. What are the symptoms of rabies?

The rabies virus attacks the nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The first symptoms of rabies are similar to a flu-like illness which can be identified as fever, headache and general discomfort. Within days, the disease can progress to symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, agitation, abnormal behavior, delirium and hallucinations.

Q. Who should get this vaccine?

Rabies vaccine is recommended for persons in high-risk occupational groups, such as veterinarians and their staff, animal handlers, rabies researchers and certain laboratory workers. International travelers who are likely to come in contact with animals in areas where cases of dog rabies are common. People should remain cautious and must get Chirorab Vaccine, especially if they will have limited access to appropriate medical care in such areas.

Q. Can a pregnant woman receive Chirorab Vaccine if exposed to rabies?

Yes, Chirorab Vaccine can be taken by a pregnant woman. Cases of any fetal abnormalities in pregnant women have not been reported with the use of Chirorab Vaccine. The doctor may even suggest routine pre-exposure vaccination against rabies if the risk of exposure is high.

Q. What are the side effects of Chirorab Vaccine?

Most of the side effects of Chirorab Vaccine are mild, such as soreness and redness at the injection site. Moderate problems, including hives, pain in the joints and fever, are possible in a small percentage of patients (6%) who are given booster doses.

Q. Who should not receive Chirorab Vaccine?

Chirorab Vaccine is not recommended for routine use in the general population. It should not be used if a person is moderately or severely ill. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.

In Prevention of Rabies

Rabies is a serious disease caused by the rabies virus. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Chirorab Vaccine is given to people who are at higher risk of coming in contact with rabies virus like veterinarians, animal keepers, hunters, butchers, personnel in rabies research laboratories, etc., or those with a prior visit to areas in which rabies is endemic. The vaccine helps develop immunity by forming antibodies, that protect against infection caused by viruses. Vaccination can also prevent the disease if it is given to a person after they have been exposed. It is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor. You should not self-administer this medicine.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Swelling of lymph nodes

Injection site swelling

Injection site redness

Joint pain

Pain

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Chirorab Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Chirorab Vaccine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Chirorab Vaccine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether Chirorab Vaccine alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

Kidney:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Chirorab Vaccine in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

Liver:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Chirorab Vaccine in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

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Imovax Rabies Vaccine. Swiftwater, PA: Sanofi; 2013. view

Rabies Vaccine. Swiftwater PA: Sanofi; 2013. view

Rabipur Ampoule . Uxbridge, Middlesex: GlaxoSmithKline UK; 2003 . view

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