• Vaccine Name: Imovax Rabies
• Target Pathogen: Rabies virus
• Target Disease: Rabies
• Product Name: Rabies Vaccine
• Tradename: Imovax
• Manufacturer: Sanofi Pasteur, SA
• Vaccine Ontology ID: VO_0000063
• CDC CVX code: 18
• Type: Inactivated or "killed" vaccine
• Status: Licensed
• Location Licensed: USA (License #1724)
• Host Species for Licensed Use: Human
• Antigen: Strain PM-1503-3M obtained from the Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA.
• Preparation: The virus strain PM-1503-3M obtained from the Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, is harvested from infected human diploid cells (MRC-5 strain), concentrated by ultrafiltration and is inactivated by beta-propiolactone. One dose of reconstituted vaccine contains less than 100 mg albumin, less than 150 μg neomycin sulfate and 20 μg of phenol red indicator. The vaccine contains no preservative or stabilizer (FDA: Imovax).
• Immunization Route: Intramuscular injection (i.m.)
• Storage: The vaccine should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F). Do not freeze (FDA: Imovax).
• Approved Age for Licensed Use: all ages
• Contraindication: For postexposure treatment, there are no known specific contraindications to the use of IMOVAX Vaccine. In cases of pre-exposure immunization, there are no known specific contraindications other than situations such as developing febrile illness etc (FDA: Imovax).
• Description: Imovax is a sterile, stable, freeze-dried suspension of rabies virus prepared from strain PM-1503-3M obtained from the Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA. This vaccine must only be used intramuscularly and as a single dose vial (FDA: Imovax).

Human Response

• Immune Response: Seroconversion was often obtained with only one dose. With two doses one month apart, 100% of the recipients developed specific antibody (FDA: Imovax).
• Side Effects: Most common side effects reported in clinical studies included: injection site reactions, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches and dizziness (FDA: Imovax).