The rabies vaccination is a so-called active vaccination. A dead vaccine is administered. The required vaccine viruses are produced either in human cells or in chicken fibroblast cell cultures. Both the HDC vaccine and the PCEC vaccine produced from this have excellent efficacy. Initially, a first dose is administered for basic immunisation. Ideally, this should be given about three to four weeks before travelling to crisis areas. A second dose is administered seven days after the first vaccination, the third two to three weeks later.

After the first three vaccinations, the vaccinated persons are usually sufficiently protected against the risk of infection. For lasting protection, booster vaccinations are recommended after two to five years.