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Is Rabies Vaccination Required After Being Scratched By A Dog?

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Posted on Tue, 14 Jun 2016
Question: Hi,
I got first 3 shots out of 5 of rabies after a dog bite 2 months back and now i have another scratch from a dog bite, do i need to take shots again?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Complete your anti-rabies schedule only

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query in Healthcaremagic.com.
This is Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta answering your query.

I understand your concern regarding the recent scratch....

But don't worry, you don't need to repeat all the shots again. Just complete your ongoing anti-rabies schedule only if you have not already and that will be sufficient. It will be protective against your current scratch too.

Hope I have answered your question.
If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (5 hours later)
Do I need to complete ant-rabies schedule immediately or it can be done after some time? And if completed for how long does the complete regimen will provide immunity?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
complete it as per schedule

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thank you for writing back.

Well, you should complete your vaccination as per schedule. The 5-shot schedule is on 0,3,7,14 and 28 days. If you have taken 3 shots out of 5, you should have the 14th and the 28th day shots left. So you should take them accordingly.
But if you have discontinued in between and more than 28 days have passed since your exposure, you need to take the full course again as for complete immunisation, all the doses are necessary.
And for your other question, one complete immunisation schedule gives on an average 3-5 years protection. Though the duration might vary, it is generally not less than that.
Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 906 Questions

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Is Rabies Vaccination Required After Being Scratched By A Dog?

Brief Answer: Complete your anti-rabies schedule only Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting your query in Healthcaremagic.com. This is Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta answering your query. I understand your concern regarding the recent scratch.... But don't worry, you don't need to repeat all the shots again. Just complete your ongoing anti-rabies schedule only if you have not already and that will be sufficient. It will be protective against your current scratch too. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. Regards.