No, the rabies virus cannot survive in a vaccine. Rabies vaccines are inactivated vaccines, meaning the virus particles are treated with chemicals or radiation to completely destroy their ability to replicate and cause disease.
Here's how rabies vaccines work:
- The virus is grown in a controlled laboratory setting, often in animal cells or specially engineered yeast cells.
- The virus is then purified and inactivated. This is typically done with chemicals like beta-propiolactone or formaldehyde.
- Additional ingredients, called adjuvants, are added to help the immune system respond more effectively to the vaccine.
- The final vaccine is carefully tested for safety and effectiveness before being licensed for use.
Because the virus is completely inactivated, it cannot cause rabies infection. However, the inactivated virus particles still trigger your immune system to produce antibodies against the rabies virus. This way, if you are later exposed to the live rabies virus, your immune system can quickly recognize and attack it, preventing rabies infection.
Here are some resources for further information on rabies vaccines:
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