The vaccine given to prevent rabies after exposure to the virus is safe and effective for most people, with side effects that are similar to those of any vaccine: Symptoms at the injection site such as soreness, redness, swelling, or itching Systemic side effects including headache, nausea, stomach pain, muscle aches, or dizziness After booster shots, some people develop hives, joint pain, or fever. There are few known long-term complications associated with the rabies vaccine. However, there have been rare reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome following the vaccine.