Serum-free purified Vero rabies vaccine is safe and immunogenic in children: Results of a randomized phase II pre-exposure prophylaxis regimen study

•Phase II trial evaluating efficacy and safety of candidate rabies vaccine. PVRV-NG.•PVRV-NG was compared with Imovax® Rabies (HDCV) in healthy children and adolescents.•The RVNA seroconversion rate was non-inferior in those receiving PVRV-NG vs HDCV.•Reported adverse events were similar between treatment groups.•PVRV-NG is expected to offer similar clinical protection and safety profile to HDCV.