[Medical Q&A] Can different brands of rabies vaccines be used interchangeably?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Huang Lei, deputy chief physician, Fifth Medical Center, PLA General Hospital

Rabies vaccine is one of the effective means of preventing rabies. Different brands of rabies vaccines may differ in composition, production process, and immunogenicity. In principle, it is recommended to use the same brand of rabies vaccine to complete the entire vaccination process as much as possible. However, in some special cases, you can consider using different brands of vaccines to continue vaccination, but you should consult a professional physician in advance and refer to official guidelines.

(1) General principles: In principle, it is recommended to use the same brand of rabies vaccine as much as possible. This is because different brands of vaccines may have slight differences in immunogenicity and safety data. Using the same brand can ensure the consistency of immune effects and reduce potential risks.

(2) Handling of special situations (changing brands): In some special situations, such as a shortage of a certain brand of vaccine or a change of residence, a different brand of vaccine may be needed to complete the vaccination. At this time, the following points should be noted.

1) Before changing brands, consult a professional physician to ensure that the new vaccine brand is suitable for the specific situation of the recipient.

2) Record information such as the vaccine brand, batch number, and vaccination date used in order to track and evaluate the effectiveness of the immunization.

3) Subsequent vaccination procedures must comply with the instructions for the replacement vaccine.

4) Closely observe adverse reactions after vaccination and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are found.