Postexposure Rabies Vaccination During Pregnancy: Effect on 202 Women and Their Infants

Abstract

This prospective study of 202 pregnant Thai women who received postexposure treatment for rabies with a tissue culture-derived rabies vaccine and human or equine rabies immune globulin revealed an adverse reaction rate similar to that seen among nonpregnant Thai patients who received the same treatment. Tissue culture-derived rabies vaccines as well as immune globulins are safe to use for postexposure prophylaxis during pregnancy. Such treatment should never be withheld or delayed if the patient possibly was exposed to rabies.