About Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s

Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s is a WHO-prequalified, cell culture-based vaccine indicated for active immunization against the rabies virus. It contains an inactivated rabies virus grown in Vero cell culture, formulated to deliver immunity against one of the most lethal viral infections. This vaccine is highly purified, making it suitable for both pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk individuals and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following contact with potentially rabid animals.

Each dose of Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s is administered intramuscularly, typically in the deltoid region for adults and the anterolateral thigh for young children. The vaccine is reconstituted with the provided diluent before use and must be administered by a healthcare professional under sterile conditions.

Used in both human and veterinary public health, this vaccine plays a critical role in rabies prevention programs worldwide, especially in regions where canine rabies remains endemic.

Indications of Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s

Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s is indicated for:

• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): For individuals who have been bitten, scratched, or had mucosal exposure to saliva from a suspected rabid animal. It is typically used in combination with rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) for high-risk exposures. 
• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): For individuals at ongoing risk of rabies exposure, including veterinarians, laboratory workers handling the rabies virus, animal handlers, travelers to high-risk areas, and children living in regions where rabies is endemic. 

In both cases, the vaccine is crucial in generating a protective immune response that prevents the rabies virus from reaching the central nervous system, where it becomes nearly universally fatal.

Directions for Use of Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s

Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s must be administered under professional medical supervision. The guidelines for administration are as follows:

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP):

• Previously unvaccinated individuals: Five doses are given intramuscularly on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28. Rabies immunoglobulin should be administered on day 0 for category III exposures. 
• Previously vaccinated individuals: Two booster doses are administered on days 0 and 3. 

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP):

• Three doses are administered intramuscularly on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28. 

Administration Guidelines:

• Reconstitute the lyophilized powder with the sterile diluent provided. 
• Shake gently to ensure complete dissolution. 
• Inject intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle (adults and children over 2 years) or the anterolateral thigh (infants and young children). 
• Do not inject into the gluteal area, as this may result in reduced vaccine efficacy. 

Contraindications of Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s

While Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s is generally safe and well tolerated, it is contraindicated in certain situations:

• Hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including neomycin or bovine serum albumin. 
• History of a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of rabies vaccine. 
• In pre-exposure use, vaccination should be delayed in individuals with moderate or severe febrile illness unless the risk of exposure outweighs potential concerns. 
• In post-exposure situations, there are no absolute contraindications—life-saving vaccination should proceed regardless of allergy status. 

Side Effects of Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s

Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s may cause mild to moderate side effects in some individuals, though serious reactions are rare.

Common side effects include:

• Local injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling) 
• Fever, headache, or fatigue 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Muscle aches 

Rare but serious reactions include:

• Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions 
• Anaphylaxis (extremely rare) 
• Neurological symptoms such as paresthesia or dizziness (rare and usually self-limiting) 

Monitoring after administration is advised, particularly in individuals receiving multiple biological agents.

Storage Information for Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s

Proper storage of Purified Rabies Vaccine (ABHAYRAB) 1’s is critical to maintaining its potency and safety:

• Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C. 
• Do not freeze. Freezing can damage the vaccine and render it ineffective. 
• Keep the vial in its original packaging to protect from light. 
• Reconstituted vaccine should be used immediately; if not, discard after the recommended time as per manufacturer instructions. 
• Keep out of reach of children and unauthorized persons. 

Following these storage guidelines ensures that the vaccine remains effective and ready for emergency use when needed.