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Are There Any Booster Dose Available For Rabies?

Posted on Mon, 11 May 2015

Question: Hi. Yesterday evening, while playing with the neighbour's golden retriever..the dog's teeth or nails (im not sure probably teeth though) caused a small cut/scratch on my left forearm. It was an accident and the dog didn't attack/bite me. But it is a small cut and it did bleed a bit.

Now after a similar accident (with a stray dog - no bite but a scratch) last year, I did receive a complete set of 5 rabipur vaccines around 11-12 months ago. What should I do next. The dog is available for observation for the next 10 days (since its my neighbour's dog) and it is also probably vaccinated (im not sure).

In any case is it advisable to get a booster dose or test for rabies titre...or as my GP advises should i just wait and observe the dog after 10-14 days??

Please advise

Regards

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Postexposure Prophylaxis against rabies

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

Since you are previously immunized with a complete course of 5 Rabipur vaccines about 12 months back, two booster doses of vaccine should be administered on days 0 and 3.
You should also undergo rabies neutralizing antibody titre (acceptable neutralizing titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml). before the booster doses and if you don't have acceptable titre (indicating previous vaccines of unproven potency),you should receive a complete post-exposure course, including rabies immunoglobulin if indicated.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (25 minutes later)

sir for the rabies neutralizing antibody titre (rabies total antibody count) both srl and metropolis have a test which takes 7-10 days for the result to come out.

So should I just get the two booster shots now or should I get RIG as well? I had read that RIG is generally not warranted if you have been vaccinated in the recent past (1-2 years) and also there was only a scratch and no real bite. Pls advise

Also I have been taking Vitamin B12 injections (total 10 injections...took the 6th one today morning) will it interefere with the vaccination? should I stop taking the rest of the injections for some time...pls let me know

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Postexposure Prophylaxis against rabies

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

You should take two booster doses as advised.
You can omit HRIG as vaccine alone is sufficient for minor exposures and you have been previously immunized.
One need not take any other drug parenterally during the vaccination course,if it can be avoided.You may delay your subsequent Vitamin B12 injections.
In this regard your doctor may go through the manufacturer's instruction available with the vaccine.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)

Sir I got the first dose of Rabipur 1 hour ago. It was given on my left upper arm. I will go for the second dose on Thursday. My last query was whether I need to specifically avoid certain foodstuffs/drinks like tea/coffee etc. and if yes then for how long?

thanks

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Postexposure Prophylaxis against rabies

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
There is no restriction of food or drink during Rabies Vaccination.
Only drugs which should be avoided are Chloroquine & Immunosuppressant drugs (including high-dose corticosteroids).
Take tetanus prophylaxis and control bacterial infection (wound management, antibiotics)

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta