How Long Does Immunity Last After Receiving Rabies Vaccination?

Posted on Sun, 31 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 31 Jul 2016 Answered on

Sat, 27 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I received the rabies vaccine 3 months ago. I believe I was bitten again, possibly by a bat. When I went to urgent care, they ordered a titer test. Everything I read however indicates I should get two booster shots. I am wondering if since only 3 months passed since being vaccinated if I am protected without the booster shots.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Depends on the antibody titer

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
If you had the full course of antirabies vaccine and your antibody titer is good, there is no need for a booster. If the antibody titer is not high enough to give complete protection, you require booster.
Take care

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

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (3 minutes later)

Hello, thank you for the answer. Since I am waiting for the results of the antibody titer I was worried that if they came back too low, that I was wasting valuable time not getting the boosters right away.

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Booster may be taken if there is a delay

Detailed Answer:
If there is a delay in getting the antibodies titer, then you may take the booster to be on the safe side.

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