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How Long Does Immunity Last After Receiving Rabies Vaccination?

Posted on Thu, 21 Jul 2016

Question: 14 yr son already under anti rabbies medicine ( 3 dose out of five given ) once again bitten by dog. Should start new vaccine or continue with 4th & 5th vaccine

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (3 minutes later)

Hi! If wound is deeper and dog is rabid, for further reassurance anti rabies serum can be injected 2/3 and wound site and 1/3 in opposite arm. And Meanwhile no need to restart the vaccine. Only complete the said course. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (9 minutes later)

Doc he was given the Anti Rabbies serum on 20th XXXXXXX the first day of the bite alongwith the vaccine. The wound is more of a scratch with droplet of blood.

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No need to restart the both

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for further clarification. Continuing the same vaccination course will be helpful. Immunoglobulin or anti rabies serum is not for long term immunity but for immediate neutralisation of rabies. It is needed for muscle deep wounds everytime but since wound isn't of that severity and he has recently got both and is on vaccination so no need to restart the both. For further reassurance one extra shot of rabies vaccine after scheduled dose is recommended. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (34 hours later)

Dr . Good morning
Would like to know how long these anti rabbies vaccine ( if someone has taken all five )and anti rabbi serum are effective or the reciever has the immunity against rabbies

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Usually for ten years for vaccine

Detailed Answer:
Hi!
Thanks for your input.

Rabies vaccine is almost effective upto ten years safely. however anti rabies serum is for that bite only. It imparts passive immunity and just functions to neutralize the toxins at the time of bite only.

Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj