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Is A Second Dose Of Vaccination Necessary After A Dog Scratch?

Posted on Fri, 6 May 2016

Question: Hello doctor,
I work in a private vetenary firm. Here I often get scratched by dogs and cats. Last time I have taken 3 doses of vaccination in January 2016. Now again a street cat scratched me and it bleeded. What should I do ? Should I need any vaccination?

Answered by Dr. Divakara (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes , you need vaccination again.

Detailed Answer:
HI

Thanks for posting your query.

Yes , you need to take a repeat vaccination this time also. But it will be a 2 dose vaccination.

1st shot now followed by 2nd shot after 1 month.

Hope this information was useful to you.
Any clarifications feel free to ask .

Regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Divakara (36 hours later)

I had earlier vaccination in 2014. I went for antibody titre test in November 2014. The level was 4.0 but I had no vaccination in 2015. I got 3 vaccination in 2016. My last vaccination was on 18 January 2016. Will it be a overdose taking another vaccination? For How much time the antibody titre level remains in the body? What should I do ?

Answered by Dr. Divakara (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Antibody levels can be there for months to years.

Detailed Answer:
HI

There is lot of variation in the duration for which the antibody remains at the protective levels. So a previous normal Antibody levels doesn't mean you are protected for life.

Either you get a repeat Antibody test or go for repeat vaccination. No a repeat vaccination shall not cause overdose.

Regards.

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