Do rabies shots hurt?
Current rabies vaccines are relatively painless and are given in the arm, like a flu or tetanus vaccine. Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG) will be administered around any wound(s) and may be more painful depending on the severity of the wounds.

Adverse reactions to rabies vaccine and immune globulin are not common. Newer vaccines in use today cause fewer adverse reactions than previously available vaccines.

Mild, local reactions to the rabies vaccine, such as pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, have been reported. Rarely, symptoms such as headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, and dizziness have been reported. Local pain and low-grade fever may follow injection of rabies immune globulin.

Show All Answers

1. Do rabies shots hurt?
2. What should I do if I was bitten / exposed to a bat?
3. What should I do if I was bitten by a wild animal?
4. What should I do if I was bitten by a domestic animal like a dog or cat?
5. How can rabies be prevented in animals?
6. How can I tell if an animal has rabies?
7. What can I do to reduce the risk of rabies?
8. Is there anything available for someone who is at high risk of being exposed to rabies?