Rabies is a usually fatal viral illness that is contracted most often when a person is bitten by an infected animal. Diagnosis of the disease in humans is extremely rare in the United States, with fewer than 40 cases diagnosed between 1990 and 2006, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rabies shot, a vaccine developed from a killed version of the virus, can be used to prevent rabies and to treat a person who has been exposed to the virus. Three to five doses of the rabies vaccine are generally given, depending on whether the patient has already been exposed to the disease. Many people experience some type of side effect after vaccination.
Mild Side Effects
Between one-third and three-quarters of all people who are vaccinated against rabies may suffer from some mild side effects that resemble symptoms of a cold or flu. Mild side effects may include general aches and pains, dizziness, nausea and headache. The CDC reports that between 5 percent and 40 percent of people who get the rabies vaccine may temporarily swell, redden, itch or feel sore at the injection site.
Moderate Side Effects
The CDC labels joint pain, hives and fever to be "moderate problems" affecting a small population of people who have had a rabies shot. Moderate side effects can also include symptoms of a viral illness called Guillan Barre, but developing this health condition after a rabies vaccination is considered very rare.
Allergic Reaction
Rare side effects of the rabies shot may be classified as an allergic reaction to the vaccination, and should be reported to a medical professional as soon as possible. People who display an allergy to the killed rabies virus or other components of the shot may have an abnormally fast heartbeat, may wheeze, find breathing difficult and feel weak. Other serious side effects of the rabies shot may include a high fever and unusual changes in mood or behavior, according to the CDC.
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