INN monograph
Inactivated Rabies Vaccines
Vaccine / immunological product · POM
Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Vaccine / immunological product)
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Anaphylaxis to prior dose or component.
- Live vaccines contraindicated in significant immunosuppression and usually pregnancy.
- Defer for moderate–severe acute illness.
Precautions
- Observe 15 minutes post-dose if high anaphylaxis concern.
- Correct injection technique and site.
- Report AEFI via national systems.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Prophylaxis: 2 doses of 1 ml S.C or I.M one month apart. The booster dose is given 1yr and every 3 yrs. Treatment: Patients who may have received the above prophylactic vaccinations: 2 inj of 1ml immediately after 3 days. Patients not earlier vaccinated:- 6 inj of 1ml S. C given after bite, immediately, 3, 7, 14, 30 and 90 days.
Paediatric
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Renal
N/A generally.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
N/A generally.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Follow Kenya KEPI / MoH schedules.
- Never freeze freeze-sensitive vaccines incorrectly.
- Document batch and site.
- Separate true contraindications from precautions.
Safety
Adverse effects
- Local pain, low-grade fever, myalgia.
- Serious: anaphylaxis, vaccine-specific rare events (e.g. intussusception historically with some rotavirus products).
Use
Indications
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis and post exposure treatment of rabies.
- Clinical selection for Inactivated Rabies Vaccines should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
- Class context: Vaccine / immunological product.
- Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
Vaccines present antigen to the adaptive immune system to generate protective antibodies and memory cells without causing full disease (or using attenuated/inactivated/subunit/mRNA platforms).
Full mechanism text
Vaccines present antigen to the adaptive immune system to generate protective antibodies and memory cells without causing full disease (or using attenuated/inactivated/subunit/mRNA platforms). Immunoglobulins provide passive temporary immunity.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | Immune response days–weeks |
|---|---|
| Duration | Months–lifelong (schedule-dependent) |
| Route | IM / SC / ORAL / ID |
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhayrab | Independent / Registered Supplier | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Imovax Adult | Sanofi Pasteur | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Indirab | Bharat Biotech International Ltd | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Speeda Rabies vaccine | Distributed by Medisel (K) Limited | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| vaccin Verorab | Sanofi Pasteur | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Vaxirab | Zydus Cadila Healthcare | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Verorab Inactivated Rabies Vaccine Cultured on the Vero cells | Sanofi Pasteur | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Inactivated vaccines (e.g. influenza, Tdap) often recommended; live vaccines generally avoided.
Lactation
Most vaccines compatible; live vaccines usually fine for breastfeeding mother.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Vaccine / immunological product)
Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.