Rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted mainly through the bite of an infected animal. While human cases are rare in Mexico, thousands of people are treated each year for animal bites—especially from dogs. Understanding when to get the rabies vaccine, how it works, and who should receive it is essential for your safety.
How many rabies vaccine doses do I need after an animal bite?
If you’re bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical attention immediately. The post-exposure protocol includes:
- Thorough cleaning of the wound with soap and water
- Rabies immune globulin (HRIG) (in some cases)
- A 4-dose vaccine schedule: Days 0, 3, 7, and 14
- For immunocompromised individuals, a 5th dose on day 28 is recommended
Getting treated promptly is life-saving, as rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear.
Can I get vaccinated for rabies before exposure?
Yes. A pre-exposure rabies vaccine is available and recommended for people at high risk of contact with the rabies virus or who travel to endemic areas.
Who should get the preventive rabies vaccine?
The rabies vaccine is recommended for:
- Veterinarians and animal shelter workers
- Wildlife control or lab personnel
- Researchers working with bats or wild animals
- Residents in rural areas with frequent wildlife contact
- Travelers going to countries or regions with rabies in dogs, cats, or bats
The pre-exposure schedule consists of 2 doses on days 0 and 7, with an optional booster on day 21 or 28.
What if I was already vaccinated and get bitten again?
If you’ve previously completed the full rabies vaccine series, you’ll need:
- Only 2 doses, on days 0 and 3
- No need for immune globulin if the last vaccine was within 3 years
Always consult a medical professional after any suspicious animal bite.
Where is the rabies vaccine injected?
The rabies vaccine is given intramuscularly, usually in the deltoid (upper arm).
For young children, it may be injected into the thigh. Avoid gluteal (buttock) injections, as they may reduce effectiveness.
How effective is the rabies vaccine?
Modern rabies vaccines are highly effective:
- Nearly 100% protection if the protocol is followed properly
- Minimal side effects
The main risk comes from delayed or incomplete treatment after exposure.
Animals that can transmit rabies to humans
The most common rabies carriers include:
- Dogs (main source of human rabies cases in developing countries)
- Cats
- Bats
- Skunks
- Raccoons
- Foxes
- Monkeys
- Coyotes
Even healthy-looking animals can carry the virus if unvaccinated.
What animals don’t transmit rabies?
Animals that cannot transmit rabies or are extremely unlikely to include:
- Birds
- Fish
- Reptiles (like snakes or iguanas)
- Amphibians
- Domestic rodents (mice, hamsters, guinea pigs)
- Pet rabbits
Note: Wild rodents and hares could pose a risk, though very rare.
Rabies in Mexico: What the data shows
According to Mexico’s Ministry of Health:
- Human rabies from dogs has been nearly eradicated, thanks to widespread pet vaccination
- Still, over 60,000 people seek medical attention annually for dog bites
- States with the highest bite reports include Mexico State, Mexico City, Jalisco, and Puebla
- Bat-transmitted rabies remains an ongoing concern in rural and wild areas
This highlights the importance of vaccinating pets and staying alert in nature.
Need the rabies vaccine in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City or Mérida?
Doctor At Home México offers safe, at-home rabies vaccination in these cities. No need to visit a clinic—our trained medical staff comes to you.
Schedule your vaccine here:
📋 Rabies Vaccine Request Form