Safety of purified chick embryo cell rabies vaccine administered in previously vaccinated animal handlers working in a biological park

Abstract

Background: Wild animal handlers are at continuous risk of exposure to rabies. They have to be protected against rabies by pre-exposure rabies vaccination and regular booster doses. Methodology: The study was conducted in a biological park in Karnataka during October 2018. Animal handlers working in the various capacities at the park and having taken three primary doses of anti-rabies vaccine as pre-exposure prophylaxis were the study subjects. The booster dose of anti- rabies vaccine was administered by a team of trained vaccinators. After the vaccination all the subjects were observed for any adverse reactions for thirty minutes; subsequently the subjects were followed up for any adverse drug reactions through telephone for a period of 30 days. Results: The study included 198 subjects with a mean age of 38.1 + 12 years. Only 8 adverse reactions were reported from 8 subjects immediately following vaccination. The adverse reactions were itching 3 (1.5%) & redness 5 (2.5%); which subsided without any complications. None of the subjects developed systemic or delayed adverse reactions. Conclusion: Booster dose rabies vaccination with purified chick embryo cell rabies vaccine is safe in previously vaccinated animal handlers.