The Truth About the Rabies Vaccination for Humans - Get the Facts About Rabies Shots for People

Jobs working with animals often require some type of contact with or handling of animals. The amount of contact varies, but any time contact occurs there is the possibility for a bite to occur. For this reason, certain jobs or volunteer work, such as at the zoo or animal control, require a rabies vaccine for the humans that work there. I had mine, and I learned the truth about rabies vaccines for humans.

You may have heard that a rabies shot for a human consists of multiple shots given by extra large needles in a very painful area, such as through the belly button or somewhere else in the stomach. However, the modern rabies treatment is different from the old treatment and the rumors surrounding it.

I did receive multiple shots to prevent rabies, a total of three, and they were spaced out over time, not all done at once. They were given in my arm and the needle was no bigger than the one used for normal preventative vaccines. They hurt a little and my arm was a little sore afterwards, but it helped to keep it moving. They felt no worse than my tetanus shot.

Having a this type of rabies shot for prevention does not mean you can ignore a bite. Humans who have had the preventative series of shots will still need to get two doses, given on separate days, if they are bitten or receive an injury from an animal that breaks the skin, such as a scratch. Generally, preventative rabies shots for humans are not given to people unless their job requires frequent contact with wild animals such as at the zoo, or with domestic animals with unknown histories, such as at the animal shelter. Vets may also get preventative rabies shots to protect them from possible exposure to the disease. Animals that can contract the rabies virus, mammals, are vaccinated as well.