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Imovax

rabies vaccine
Used for Rabies
Used for Rabies

Imovax is one of the available rabies vaccines for people. It's used to help prevent rabies in adults and children either before or after potential exposure to the rabies virus; Imovax isn't a routine vaccine that everyone needs to get. Imovax is given as an injection into the muscle. The number of injections you'll need depends on when you're exposed to the rabies virus and whether you've been vaccinated for rabies in the past. Side effects include itchiness, redness, and pain at the injection site; headache; and dizziness.

Last reviewed on January 28, 2025
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What is Imovax?

What is Imovax used for?

  • Prevention of rabies in adults and children

How Imovax works

Imovax is an inactivated vaccine that protects you from rabies. The vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies against the virus that causes rabies. These antibodies help attack the virus if it ever infects your body.

Are you looking for information on RabAvert (rabies vaccine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsImovax
Drug ClassVaccine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$520.52(save 17.01%)
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$432.00
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What are the side effects of Imovax?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site (25%)
  • Headache (20%)
  • Dizziness (20%)
  • Nausea (20%)
  • Stomach pain (20%)
  • Muscle ache (20%)

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, difficulty breathing, chest pain

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

confusion

cough

difficulty with moving

difficulty with swallowing

fast heartbeat

feeling of discomfort

irritability

lack or loss of strength

muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness

paralysis or severe weakness of the legs

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

rash

seizures

skin rash, hives, or redness

stiffness of arms, legs, or neck

swelling of the joints

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Chills

dizziness

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site

muscle or joint aches

nausea

stomach pain

Incidence not known

Bruising at the injection site

diarrhea

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Imovax

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well at protecting against rabies

Safe choice for people with an egg allergy

Can switch back and forth with RabAvert (another rabies vaccine) for your shots

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Cons

Needs to be given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare professional

Might need booster shots, depending on your risk

Contains albumin (a protein made from human blood), so people from certain religious background(s) might not be able to or want to get it

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Imovax

pharmacist
  • Let your healthcare professional (HCP) know if you have any allergies to certain medications, particularly antibiotics. They'll check whether you're at risk for having an allergic reaction to Imovax and decide whether this vaccine is safe for you.

    • You'll need several doses of Imovax to become fully vaccinated against rabies. Be sure to write down the dates for each of your Imovax injections on your calendar to help you stay on track. This helps the vaccine protect you against rabies as best as possible. Call your HCP if you accidentally miss an appointment by a few days. They might be able to get you back on track.

      • If you feel sick, ask your HCP first whether you can get your Imovax shot. Most times, you can still get your shot if you feel mildly sick, like with a cold or low-grade fever. But it's best to wait until you're feeling better if you're very sick.

        • If you've gotten exposed to the rabies virus (e.g., bitten by a rabid animal) and you haven't gotten any preventative care before, your care team will also give you human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) with your first Imovax shot. HRIG helps your body fight against rabies until your body can make enough of its own antibodies to fight rabies.

          • If you're planning for a trip, check whether it's recommended to get vaccinated against rabies for the destination you're traveling to.

            • If your work or your traveling often exposes you to rabies, you might need to get regular lab work or Imovax booster shots to keep you protected from the virus. Ask your HCP whether you need any booster shots and how often you should get them.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Imovax

              How long does the Imovax rabies vaccine last?
              In general, Imovax protects you from rabies before potential exposure for up to 3 years after you complete the vaccination series. But you might need a booster dose during these 3 years or even after depending on your risk level. Your healthcare professional (HCP) might measure the antibody levels in your body to decide whether you need more doses of Imovax to keep you protected. Check with your HCP to see whether you need any booster doses.
              Why is it important to get the Imovax rabies vaccine if I need it?
              Imovax can help protect you from rabies. Rabies is a deadly illness that's caused by a virus. This virus spreads through contact with infected animals, like through bites or their saliva. Early symptoms of rabies include weakness, fever, or headache. As the infection worsens, rabies can cause serious symptoms like hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real), trouble thinking clearly, a fear of water, and anxiety. Once these symptoms appear, the infection is almost always deadly. If you think you might be around animals that could have rabies or if you work with rabies in a lab, talk to a healthcare provider about getting the Imovax vaccine. Go to the hospital right away if you think you’ve been exposed to rabies, no matter if you've been vaccinated against rabies before or not. The medical team can make sure you get appropriate care as soon as possible.
              Is Imovax a live vaccine?
              No, Imovax isn't a live vaccine. It's an inactivated vaccine. Imovax is made up of a dead version of the rabies virus.
              What's the difference between Imovax and RabAvert?
              Imovax and RabAvert are two different brand names for the rabies vaccine. They're both inactivated vaccines that are given as an injection into the muscle by a trained healthcare professional (HCP). Because both brand names are very similar, you can use either brand name to complete the vaccination series to get protected against rabies. The decision to use Imovax or RabAvert might be based on availability or HCP preference. Speak with your HCP if you have more questions about Imovax and RabAvert.
              Are RabAvert and Imovax interchangeable?
              Yes, RabAvert and Imovax are interchangeable. You can switch back and forth between RabAvert and Imovax for yoru rabies vaccine shots. You don't have to use the same brand name of the rabies vaccine to complete your vaccination series.
              Does Imovax cure rabies?
              No, Imovax doesn't cure rabies. Imovax lowers your risk for developing rabies before or after a potential exposure. If you're exposed to a possibly rabid animal (e.g., through saliva or animal bite), clean the area or wound and go to a hospital right away. This is important to do even if you already received a rabies vaccine. When you get medical care, you'll start the vaccination series for rabies, such as with Imovax. If you've never gotten preventative care against rabies before, the medical team will also give you human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) with your first Imovax shot. HRIG helps your body fight against rabies until your body can make enough of its own antibodies against rabies. You'll need to follow up with a healthcare professional for the other Imovax shots to complete the vaccination series.
              Can I get Imovax if I'm pregnant?
              Yes. The rabies vaccine isn't a typical vaccine that's given during pregnancy. But current treatment guidelines recommend that you get the rabies vaccine during pregnancy if you're at high risk for rabies exposure or if you've been exposed to the rabies virus. Keep in mind that Imovax hasn't been well studied in pregnancy so it's not completely known how safe it is to receive while pregnant. But the benefits of protection generally outweigh the high risk of death with rabies infection. Speak with your healthcare professional if you have concerns about getting Imovax while pregnant.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Imovax?

              Imovax can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Severe allergic reaction

              • Risk factors: Allergy to neomycin

                As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to Imovax. Let your healthcare professional (HCP) know if you're allergic to things like neomycin. This might affect your risk for an allergic reaction to Imovax. Your HCP might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a little longer after they've given you your shot. They can make sure you get proper care if you have a serious allergic reaction.

                Sometimes, allergic reactions can happen after you've already left the medical office. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives, rash, feeling faint, dizziness, or chest pain.

                risk-warning

                Fainting

                • Risk factors: Fainting before or after vaccines in the past

                  Similar with other vaccines, it's possible to faint after you receive Imovax. Let your HCP know if you've ever fainted after any vaccinations in the past. You might need to sit down and stay at the medical office so the care team can look after you during your vaccination.

                  risk-warning

                  Serum sickness-like reaction after booster doses

                  Some people had an immune reaction that looks similar to serum sickness after they got a booster dose of a rabies vaccine like Imovax to prevent rabies before potential exposure. Most times, this reaction appeared about 2 days to 3 weeks after getting the booster shot. Let an HCP know if you notice symptoms like widespread hives, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, or swelling of the face.

                  risk-warning

                  Problems affecting the nervous system

                  Although very rare, some people reported getting nerve-related problems, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), after they've received a Imovax shot. In these cases, the nerve problems got better in about 3 months. Let your HCP know right away if you experience any symptoms of nerve-related problems, such as muscle weakness, prickly feeling in the hands and feet, neck stiffness, difficulty seeing, movement or reflex problems, or unsteadiness on your feet. Your HCP can see what supportive care you need.

                  risk-warning

                  Lower response to Imovax in people with a weakened immune system

                  • Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system

                    Imovax might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. This can put them at higher risk of getting rabies, even after they've received the vaccine. People with a weakened immune system who get vaccinated with Imovax after exposure might need blood draws done at certain specific times to check how protected they are.

                    Make sure your care team knows about the medical conditions you have and the medications you take before you get vaccinated with Imovax. Certain conditions, like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cancer, and certain medications, like high-dose corticosteroids and transplant medications, can weaken your immune system.

                    risk-warning

                    Maintain necessary precautions to prevent rabies before possible exposure

                    Although Imovax works very well, it isn't guaranteed that the vaccine will work to protect everyone completely from rabies and that you won't get infected. For the best protection against rabies, you should receive Imovax, if needed, and take other necessary precautions. Make sure your pets are also vaccinated against rabies. Avoid direct contact with wild animals and wash any animal bites or scratches right away with soap and water.

                    risk-warning

                    Rare but possible transmission of other viruses

                    Imovax contains a protein called albumin that's taken from human blood. Although very rare, there's a possible risk that viruses from blood donors might be passed onto people who are receiving the vaccine. It can potentially put people at risk for conditions such as Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease (CJD).

                    Note that this risk is only a theory. Blood donors are carefully screened and the manufacturing process for the Imovax vaccine is regulated to minimize the risk. There aren't any known reported cases at this time.

                    More on Imovax warnings

                    dosage

                    Imovax dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 vial of 1ml of 2.5 units of Imovax is $432.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 17.01% off the average retail price of $520.52.
                    vial
                    Vial
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    1ml of 2.5 units1 vial$432.00$432.00

                    Typical dosing for Imovax

                    Imovax is given as an injection (1 mL) into the muscle.

                    • Adults and older children: The injection is given into the shoulder muscle.

                    • Babies and smaller children: The injection is given into the thigh muscle.

                    Dosing directions from the manufacturer:

                    • Prevention of rabies BEFORE potential exposure to the rabies virus

                      • Primary series: The typical dosing schedule is 1 injection on day 0, day 7, and either day 21 or day 28.

                      • Booster series: The typical dose is 1 injection as needed. The need for a booster shot depends on your risk of exposure to the rabies virus and the levels of the rabies antibodies in your body.

                    • Prevention of rabies AFTER exposure to the rabies virus

                      • Previously unvaccinated or partially vaccinated with Imovax: The typical dosing schedule is 1 injection on day 0 (right after exposure), day 3, day 7, day 14, and day 28. Imovax is usually given together with human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) on day 0.

                      • Previously fully vaccinated with Imovax: The typical dosing schedule is 1 injection on day 0 (right after exposure) and day 3. These people don't need human rabies immune globulin.

                    Please note: Your healthcare professional might suggest a different dosing schedule for Imovax following the CDC's recommendation. The CDC's recommendations can differ from the manufacturer's guidance. Talk to your HCP if you have more questions about the dosing schedule for this vaccine.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Imovax and other drugs

                    Imovax may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Imovax. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this vaccine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                    Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    • Chloroquine
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                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Imovax?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Imovax. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Imovax
                    Used for:
                    • Prevention of rabies in adults and children

                    $432.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    • Prevention of rabies in adults and children

                    $392.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Destinations.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Rabies.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Rabies vaccine VIS.

                    View All References (14)

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Classic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Explaining how vaccines work.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Guidelines for vaccinating pregnant women.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Rabies biologics.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Rabies pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Rabies prevention and control.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). When to seek medical care for rabies.

                    Eriksson, A., et al. (2013). Animal derived products may conflict with religious patients' beliefs. BioMed Central Medical Ethics.

                    Immunize.org. (2024). Ask the experts: Rabies.

                    MedlinePlus. (2024). Serum sickness.

                    Sanofi Pasteur Inc. (2024). Imovax rabies (rabies strain pm-1503-3m antigen- propiolactone inactivated and water kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    World Health Organization. (2020). How do vaccines work?

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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