Side Effects of the Rabies Vaccine: Separating Fear from Fact
อัพเดทล่าสุด: 27 ธ.ค. 2025
128 ผู้เข้าชม
You have done the responsible thing. You were bitten or scratched by an animal in Thailand, and you started the rabies vaccination course. But now, perhaps late at night, you are scrolling through Google and reading terrifying stories about neurological damage, paralysis, or severe illness.
It is natural to be scared. The rabies vaccine is a powerful medical intervention, and you are receiving multiple doses over a short period.
However, most of the "horror stories" you read online are based on vaccines that haven't been used in decades.
In 2025, the rabies vaccines we use (like Verorab and Rabipur) are among the safest in the world. Let’s look at the real side effects you might actually feel, and the myths you can stop worrying about.
Why You Can Trust Us
We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We administer thousands of rabies doses every year to tourists and expats in Koh Samui. We monitor our patients closely for adverse reactions. We know the difference between a normal immune response and a genuine complication. We use only modern, WHO-approved Cell-Culture Vaccines, which have a completely different safety profile than the old "nerve tissue" vaccines of the past.
The "Old" vs. "New" Vaccine: Why the Fear Exists
This is the most important section of this guide.
The Myth: "The rabies vaccine can paralyze you or give you brain damage."
The Origin: 40+ years ago, vaccines were made from animal nerve tissue (e.g., sheep brains). These did carry a risk of serious neurological side effects (like Guillain-Barré Syndrome or encephalitis) because the body would sometimes attack its own nervous system.
The Reality (2025): We use Cell-Culture Vaccines (PVRV or PCECV). These are grown in controlled labs (using purified cells) and contain zero nerve tissue. The risk of serious neurological damage from these modern vaccines is incredibly rare—estimated at less than 1 in a million.
Bottom Line: The dangerous side effects of the 1980s do not apply to the shot you got today.
Common Side Effects (What to Expect)
Most patients feel something. This is actually a good sign—it means your immune system is waking up and learning to fight the virus. These symptoms usually appear within 24 hours of the shot and vanish by themselves.
Sore Arm: The most common complaint. The injection site (deltoid muscle) feels heavy, sore, or looks a bit red.
Mild Fever: You might feel a bit hot or shivery for a day.
Fatigue: You might feel unusually tired or "heavy."
Headache: A dull ache that responds well to Paracetamol.
Nausea: Feeling a bit "off" in the stomach.
What to do: Rest, drink water, and take a simple painkiller like Paracetamol (Tylenol) if needed. You do not need to skip your next dose.
Rare Side Effects (When to Call Us)
Serious reactions are extremely uncommon, but you should know what to look for.
Hives (Urticaria): An itchy, raised rash spreading over your body. This suggests a mild allergic reaction.
High Fever: A temperature over 39°C (102°F).
Joint Pain: Severe aching in multiple joints (not just the arm).
Emergency Signs (Anaphylaxis): If you experience these within minutes or hours of the shot, go to the nearest hospital immediately:
Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
Swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Rapid heartbeat and dizziness.
Note: This is why we ask you to sit in our clinic for 15 minutes after your first shot—so we can spot this immediately.
Safety in Special Groups
The rules for the rabies vaccine are different from almost every other vaccine because rabies is 100% fatal. The risk of the virus always outweighs the risk of the vaccine.
1. Pregnancy
Is it safe? Yes. The Rule: Pregnancy is never a contraindication for post-exposure rabies vaccination. If you are bitten, you must get the vaccine. Studies show no evidence of harm to the fetus or the mother.
2. Breastfeeding
Is it safe? Yes. You can continue breastfeeding while receiving the vaccine.
3. Immunocompromised Patients (HIV, Cancer)
Is it safe? Yes, and it is vital. The Change: Because your immune system is weaker, the standard 4-dose schedule might not be enough. We often give a 5th dose and strictly monitor your antibody levels to ensure you are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drink alcohol after the vaccine?
Yes. There is no evidence that moderate alcohol consumption interferes with the rabies vaccine. You can enjoy your holiday. Just don't drink so much that you forget your next appointment!
Does the vaccine weaken my immune system?
No. It does the opposite—it trains your immune system to target a specific deadly virus. It does not make you more susceptible to colds or flu.
I missed my appointment by one day. Do I have to restart?
No. If you miss a dose by 24-48 hours, come in immediately. We will give you the shot and adjust the future dates. You do not need to start over from Day 0.
Can the vaccine give me rabies?
Impossible. Modern vaccines are "inactivated" (killed). They contain dead virus particles that cannot replicate or cause disease.
I feel dizzy after the shot. Is that a side effect?
Usually, this is a vasovagal response (fainting response) to the needle or stress, not the vaccine liquid itself. It passes in a few minutes with rest and sugar.
Your Safe Vaccination Center in Koh Samui
If you are currently going through the series and feel unwell, or just need your next dose in a safe, hygienic environment, we are here.
Address: 124/254 Moo.3, Lamai beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84310
Hours: Open Every Day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Phone: +66 65 262 9396
Email: doctorlamaiclinic@gmail.com
Map: Find us on Google Maps
References
World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). Rabies vaccines: WHO position paper. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-wer9316
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025). Rabies Vaccine Side Effects. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/rabies.html
National Health Service (NHS). (2024). Rabies Vaccination Safety. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rabies/vaccination/
It is natural to be scared. The rabies vaccine is a powerful medical intervention, and you are receiving multiple doses over a short period.
However, most of the "horror stories" you read online are based on vaccines that haven't been used in decades.
In 2025, the rabies vaccines we use (like Verorab and Rabipur) are among the safest in the world. Let’s look at the real side effects you might actually feel, and the myths you can stop worrying about.
Why You Can Trust Us
We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We administer thousands of rabies doses every year to tourists and expats in Koh Samui. We monitor our patients closely for adverse reactions. We know the difference between a normal immune response and a genuine complication. We use only modern, WHO-approved Cell-Culture Vaccines, which have a completely different safety profile than the old "nerve tissue" vaccines of the past.
The "Old" vs. "New" Vaccine: Why the Fear Exists
This is the most important section of this guide.
The Myth: "The rabies vaccine can paralyze you or give you brain damage."
The Origin: 40+ years ago, vaccines were made from animal nerve tissue (e.g., sheep brains). These did carry a risk of serious neurological side effects (like Guillain-Barré Syndrome or encephalitis) because the body would sometimes attack its own nervous system.
The Reality (2025): We use Cell-Culture Vaccines (PVRV or PCECV). These are grown in controlled labs (using purified cells) and contain zero nerve tissue. The risk of serious neurological damage from these modern vaccines is incredibly rare—estimated at less than 1 in a million.
Bottom Line: The dangerous side effects of the 1980s do not apply to the shot you got today.
Common Side Effects (What to Expect)
Most patients feel something. This is actually a good sign—it means your immune system is waking up and learning to fight the virus. These symptoms usually appear within 24 hours of the shot and vanish by themselves.
Sore Arm: The most common complaint. The injection site (deltoid muscle) feels heavy, sore, or looks a bit red.
Mild Fever: You might feel a bit hot or shivery for a day.
Fatigue: You might feel unusually tired or "heavy."
Headache: A dull ache that responds well to Paracetamol.
Nausea: Feeling a bit "off" in the stomach.
What to do: Rest, drink water, and take a simple painkiller like Paracetamol (Tylenol) if needed. You do not need to skip your next dose.
Rare Side Effects (When to Call Us)
Serious reactions are extremely uncommon, but you should know what to look for.
Hives (Urticaria): An itchy, raised rash spreading over your body. This suggests a mild allergic reaction.
High Fever: A temperature over 39°C (102°F).
Joint Pain: Severe aching in multiple joints (not just the arm).
Emergency Signs (Anaphylaxis): If you experience these within minutes or hours of the shot, go to the nearest hospital immediately:
Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
Swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Rapid heartbeat and dizziness.
Note: This is why we ask you to sit in our clinic for 15 minutes after your first shot—so we can spot this immediately.
Safety in Special Groups
The rules for the rabies vaccine are different from almost every other vaccine because rabies is 100% fatal. The risk of the virus always outweighs the risk of the vaccine.
1. Pregnancy
Is it safe? Yes. The Rule: Pregnancy is never a contraindication for post-exposure rabies vaccination. If you are bitten, you must get the vaccine. Studies show no evidence of harm to the fetus or the mother.
2. Breastfeeding
Is it safe? Yes. You can continue breastfeeding while receiving the vaccine.
3. Immunocompromised Patients (HIV, Cancer)
Is it safe? Yes, and it is vital. The Change: Because your immune system is weaker, the standard 4-dose schedule might not be enough. We often give a 5th dose and strictly monitor your antibody levels to ensure you are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drink alcohol after the vaccine?
Yes. There is no evidence that moderate alcohol consumption interferes with the rabies vaccine. You can enjoy your holiday. Just don't drink so much that you forget your next appointment!
Does the vaccine weaken my immune system?
No. It does the opposite—it trains your immune system to target a specific deadly virus. It does not make you more susceptible to colds or flu.
I missed my appointment by one day. Do I have to restart?
No. If you miss a dose by 24-48 hours, come in immediately. We will give you the shot and adjust the future dates. You do not need to start over from Day 0.
Can the vaccine give me rabies?
Impossible. Modern vaccines are "inactivated" (killed). They contain dead virus particles that cannot replicate or cause disease.
I feel dizzy after the shot. Is that a side effect?
Usually, this is a vasovagal response (fainting response) to the needle or stress, not the vaccine liquid itself. It passes in a few minutes with rest and sugar.
Your Safe Vaccination Center in Koh Samui
If you are currently going through the series and feel unwell, or just need your next dose in a safe, hygienic environment, we are here.
Address: 124/254 Moo.3, Lamai beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84310
Hours: Open Every Day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Phone: +66 65 262 9396
Email: doctorlamaiclinic@gmail.com
Map: Find us on Google Maps
References
World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). Rabies vaccines: WHO position paper. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-wer9316
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025). Rabies Vaccine Side Effects. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/rabies.html
National Health Service (NHS). (2024). Rabies Vaccination Safety. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rabies/vaccination/
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