Rabies immune globulin shots are effective within 48 hours, with diminished effectiveness relative to shots given within 24 hours. Rabies immunoglobulin is generally recommended to be administered within 24 hours of exposure, and if more than 24 hours, it is effective within 48 hours. Rabies immune globulin is a rabies passive immunization agent that neutralizes large amounts of rabies virus and reduces the risk of rabies infection after vaccination, and is indicated for people who have had rabies class III exposures. A rabies class III exposure is defined as a bite or scratch through the skin or licking of skin that appears broken by an animal that may be infected with rabies. When a Class III exposure occurs, the wound should first be irrigated and disinfected, followed by rabies vaccine and rabies passive immunization preparations within 24 hours.