Rabies vaccine

The rabies vaccine is provided to individuals at risk from exposure to a potentially rabid animal, free through the New Brunswick Immunization Program. The vaccine is given as a series of injections into the upper arm in older children and adults and into the thigh in infants. It is important to get all doses of the rabies vaccine on the schedule your health-care provider recommends.

Anyone who encounters the rabies virus or an animal that is suspected to have rabies should immediately go to a hospital or call 911 to determine if the rabies vaccine is needed.

Individuals at high risk of close encounters with rabid animals or the rabies virus should consider getting the vaccine before any exposure. Pre-exposure vaccination is not free, and individuals may obtain it at their own expense by contacting their local pharmacy.

The rabies vaccine is the best way to prevent rabies disease. Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system of mammals, most often transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mammal. Human rabies very rarely occurs in Canada, but if not prevented or treated, it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. Treatment and the rabies vaccine are highly effective in preventing rabies.

A person with rabies is in a life-threatening situation, making the rabies vaccine essential care. Cases where someone cannot receive the rabies vaccine are rare. In such situations, the risks and benefits of giving the vaccine, especially if a person has a history of anaphylaxis, must be carefully weighed against risk of death from the disease.

Inform your immunization provider if you or your child has any health problems or allergies.

The most common reactions include headache, fever, soreness, redness, itchiness and/or swelling at the injection site. For mild reactions, a cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort.  Ask a health-care provider what medicine is best to reduce fever.

With any vaccine, there is an extremely rare possibility (less than one in a million people) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Signs of this reaction may include rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. This reaction can be treated.  Seek immediate medical attention if you have left the vaccination site and develop serious symptoms.

If you or your child experiences unusual reactions to the vaccine or you have any questions or concerns, please contact your primary care provider, pharmacy, Public Health office or Tele-Care (811).

If the health-care provider determines that preventive treatment is necessary, it will be administered on the same day, following the evaluation.

Since multiple doses of the vaccine are required, subsequent doses will be coordinated with your local Public Health office (Horizon, Vitalité).

Individuals who wish to receive the vaccine but do not qualify for publicly funded vaccine can obtain it at their own expense by contacting their local pharmacy.

Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB. To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your account.

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, send an email to [email protected].

Immunizations administered prior to 1991 may not be readily accessible in MyHealthNB.  If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines.