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Can Rabies Vaccination Taken 60 Hours Post Exposure Prevent The Disease?

Posted on Tue, 5 Jan 2016

Question: Hi Doctor,

I had a minor dog bite on Friday 11 PM on my hand. The dog is apparently vaccinated and is not showing any signs of sickness. However my family advised me to take anti rabies vaccination. However, I took the vaccine 60 hours post exposure, is 60 hours ok for vaccine to help prevent the disease in case of a potential exposure. Also, emergency in the hospital has advised 3 doses of rabipur; however, everywhere on internet I see 4 to 5 doses.. I would really appreciate for some guidance here

Answered by Dr. Sabiha Banu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
complete vaccination is better.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using Hcm.
Any dogbite wound it is better to get vaccinated for 5 doses.
0,3,7,14,28,day doses.
With 3 doses you are 90%immunised for the bite.
If the wound is significant a course of antibiotic will prevent secondary infection.
Please get an anti tetanus vaccine too for the bite.
Do not cover the wound,leave it open and clean.
There is no harm in taking all 5 doses,as the disease caused by dogbite is a dead end infection, which has no other treatment, prophylaxis is better.
So please complete the doses.
Please get back to me if you have any related doubts.
All the best, take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Sabiha Banu (16 minutes later)

Hi,

My exact question is that I took the first dose after 60 hours post exposure.. is 60 hours time safe? I am asking this because I read on internet that you should get the first dose on same day or within 24 hours?

Answered by Dr. Sabiha Banu (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
please continue with the doses.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for following up with Hcm.
The first 24 to 48 hours are taken into consideration for early vaccination and better viral prophylaxis.
Now that you are sure that the dog is vaccinated,and the wound is minor,as you have already started with the doses of vaccination, better continue at least with the 3 doses,if you still feel unsafe,please go ahead with 5 doses.
There is no harm.
Hoping that you will not have any related problems, by the grace of God.
Do not worry.
Make sure that the dog is fine,healthy and alive.
Be careful while handling dogs in the future.
Be free to ask any related doubts.
All the best, take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Sabiha Banu (23 minutes later)

thanks Doctor... the dog is playful and shows no signs of any sickness... so I will take all the doses.. last two questions:

1. I have not taken tetanus still, should I take it or skip it because it will be 90 hours since exposure

2. Also can I drink alcohol will I am taking rabies vaccination as we have a lot of year end parties

Thanks and regards
xxxxxxxxxxx

Answered by Dr. Sabiha Banu (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
safe do not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for following up.
Good for for you the dog being playful.
You can take the anti tetanus vaccine.
As such alcohol does not have any direct interaction with the rabies vaccine.
Otherwise any thing in excess is harmful.
All the best, take care.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj