Is Repetition Of Anti-rabies Vaccination Required For A Dog Bite After 8 Months?

Posted on Fri, 5 Dec 2014

Question: Hello Doctor,

1) I had a dog bite 9 months ago and was given Verorab vaccination, D0 on butt , D7 & D21 on shoulder, was this the right vaccination course suggested to me ?

2) I have been bitten again by a dog approximately 8 months after the last dose do i still need to do the vaccination course or would i require just a booster dose ? please suggest.

Thanks
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Rabies immunoglobulins will help at this point

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,

I understand your query and concern.

Yes you have taken the right schedule of vaccination..

Rabies vaccination need not be taken if the dog bite is within 12 months.

I suggest you to take Rabies Immunoglobulin intravenously ,half the dose around the wound and half the dose around the muscle as a precautionary measure.

Note: consult your doctor regarding this.

Meanwhile clean the wound under running tap water.

Watch the dog if possible for 10 days.

Post your further queries if any,

Thankyou

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

Follow up: Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (17 hours later)

Hello Doctor,

Thanks for your advice.

The main reason for my concern is that i read on the Verorab vaccine manual (http://www.meppo.com/pdf/drugs/1813-VERORAB-0000.pdf) that in case of post expossure, the dosage comprises five 0.5mL injections at D0, D3, D7, D14, and D28 and it is not to be injected in the gluteal region, where i was given the dose on D0, D7, D21 and the first on was in the gluteal region.

Please suggest if this was sufficient.

Also, i forgot to mention that i have taken the Rabipur dose on D0 for the recent exposure but i m not sure if i need to do the complete course or not. Please guide me as i do not have access to good medical consultation at my location

-Sudeep

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take other two doses of Rabipur on D7 and D21

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again,

Generally three doses are enough .so do not rely on websites .So do not worry about that.

As I already said you don't need vaccine again since you are within 12months.

But since you have taken D0 dose of Rabipur take other two doses also on D7 and D21 (deltoid is preferable than gluteal) for completion sake.

Note: Whenever vaccination is started complete course should be taken.

Post your further queries if any,
Thank you.

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