Adverse Effects Following Intradermal Anti-Rabies Vaccination: An Observational Study at the Largest Government Hospital of Rajasthan

Introduction: Rabies is a Lyssavirus-caused progressive, acute and lethal encephalomyelitis present in over 150 countries. Using cell culture vaccines (CCV) for post-exposure immunization is an efficient and safe preventative measure. Although CCVs are the least reactogenic, studies have shown mild to severe side effects.Objectives: To estimate the proportion of patients experiencing adverse effects after receiving intradermal anti-rabies vaccination and describe their clinico-social profile at the anti-rabies clinic, SMS Hospital, JaipurMethods: A hospital-based, descriptive, observational study was conducted among 392 animal bite patients at the anti-rabies clinic of SMS Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan from August 2023 to January 2024. All the patients of animal bites of Category II and III (not receiving rabies immunoglobulin) were included in the study. The collection of data was done using a pre-designed, pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, administered by the interviewer.Results: Out of 392 animal bite patients, 301 were male (76.8%) and 91 were female (23.2%); 27% of the total reported experiencing adverse effects. Pain at the injection site (8.2%) was the most commonly reported symptom, followed by tingling sensation (4.6%), headache (4%), redness (3.6%), fever (3%), itching (2.3%) and fatigue (1.3%). Most of the symptoms appeared within 4 to 12 hours post-vaccination and resolved without any medication. No severe adverse effects following vaccination were reported.Conclusion: Some reactions were noted after administration of the vaccine by intradermal route but most were mild and self-limiting, thus the anti-rabies vaccine is a safe and effective tool against rabies and can be administered safely by intradermal route. How to cite this article:Butt A I, Rathore M, Kumari N, Singh D, Patel H. Adverse Effects Following Intradermal AntiRabies Vaccination: An Observational Study at the Largest Government Hospital of Rajasthan. APCRI J. 2024; 26(2): 5-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202408