Assuming you have been bitten or scratched by an animal with a risk of being infected with rabies, you will first receive the rabies immune globulin or IgG. IgG is an antibody that is effective immediately at fighting off any rabies that may be present in your body. [3] X Research source The vaccine takes a couple of weeks to develop your immunity, but IgG will protect you during this period. You will also receive the rabies vaccine on the same day, which is a separate thing. The immunity from the rabies vaccine kicks in within about 2 weeks. [4] X Research source You will then receive 3 additional “follow-up” rabies vaccines - on day 3 post-exposure, day 7 post-exposure, and day 14 post-exposure, respectively. This is to ensure that it is maximally effective in your system. Because of the high risk and fatality of a rabies infection, it is extremely important that you follow through with all vaccinations scheduled. [5] X Research source Both the rabies “immune globulin” as well as the rabies vaccine are safe to give to pregnant women and children. [6] X Research source
Look away from the needle. Some people get very anxious at the sight of a needle that is about to enter their arm. If this is the case for you, it can be helpful to look away and to distract yourself. Practice deep breathing. Focusing on deep breaths can help your whole body to relax, and also help to minimize any tension that may be present in the muscle receiving the vaccine. Talk to the person giving you the shot. While looking away, it can also be helpful to distract your mind. One easy way to do this is to make small talk with the nurse giving you the vaccine. It can also help to get your mind off the worry of the pain that is to come. The great thing is that, when your mind is distracted, having a vaccine can be nearly painless!
