The rabies vaccine is a medical treatment designed to prevent the onset of rabies, a deadly viral infection typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the rabies virus, providing protection if a person is exposed to the virus. There are two main types of rabies vaccines: pre-exposure and post-exposure. The pre-exposure vaccine is given to individuals at high risk, such as veterinarians or animal handlers, while the post-exposure vaccine is administered after a potential exposure, like a bite from a rabid animal. Timely vaccination is crucial for effective prevention.