Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) provides immediate, short-term protection against the virus after a suspected exposure. It contains ready-made antibodies that neutralize the rabies virus right at the entry point — before the body’s own immune system can produce its own defenses from the vaccine. That’s why RIG is injected directly around and into the bite wound as much as possible, with any remaining amount given into a muscle at a distant site. This local injection ensures the antibodies act quickly where the virus is likely to be present. RIG is essential for people who haven’t been previously vaccinated, as it fills the immune gap during the first few days before the vaccine takes effect.