The rabies vaccine is an injection given if you had possible exposure to rabies or were bitten a rabid animal such as a racoon, skunk or bat. Rabies is a very serious and lethal infection that can lead to such symptoms as convulsions, muscle spasms and problems swallowing. The Centers for Disease Control state that the rabies vaccine contains an attenuated (weakened) form of the rabies virus. Once injected, your body will begin to make antibodies (a substance in your body that fights infection) against the rabies virus. Before you obtain the rabies vaccine, it is important to know about its side effects.
Common Side Effects
The rabies vaccine can cause you to have redness, pain, itching and swelling at the injection site, according to Drug Information Online. You may also experience headache, fatigue and dizziness. The rabies vaccine can also lead to muscle aches, nausea and stomach pain.
Allergic Reaction
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the rabies vaccine can cause you to have a systemic (affecting your entire body) reaction within 10 minutes to an hour of receiving the injection. Symptoms of this allergic reaction include trouble breathing, increased heartbeat, hives, wheezing and throat swelling.
Nervous System Side Effects
The rabies vaccine may also wreak havoc on your nervous system (brain and spinal cord). According to Drug Information Online, you may develop such symptoms as paralysis, meningitis (a brain infection characterized by a headache and stiff neck), Guillain-Barre syndrome (condition of ascending paralysis from your feet to your head) and visual problems.
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