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Is Vaccination Necessary After Bitten By A Dog?

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Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016
Question: Hi my son is 5 year old and yesterday he said he got scratched or bitten by a dog by his hands on his legs but there is no wound or scratch seen on that area..also no bleeding..also he wasn't sure about the exact place on the leg where the scratch happened.. So should I be worried about it? There is a small swelling on one area of the leg which is pinkish.. But am not sure it's bcoz of the dog or since he was hurt while playing..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Antirabies vaccine should be given

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to this forum.
Can understand your concerns.

A 5 year child can describe events and if child is saying that he is scratched or bitten,then we have to go with it.

Also, you seen a small pinkish swelling which could be due to scratch by dog.

This comes in grade 1 category of dog bites and we need to give antirabies vaccine to child.

Even if there is no scratch or bite, it is safer to give antirabies vaccine as there is no treatment of rabies. I mean why to take risk.

I hope this will help you.
Wishing your child good health.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Deepak Patel (20 minutes later)
This is just a one vaccine or 5 vaccines..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
for three days

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome once again.

It's a single vaccine given on three days - 0, 3 and 7 days.

Take care.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Deepak Patel

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Practicing since :2000

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Is Vaccination Necessary After Bitten By A Dog?

Brief Answer: Antirabies vaccine should be given Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to this forum. Can understand your concerns. A 5 year child can describe events and if child is saying that he is scratched or bitten,then we have to go with it. Also, you seen a small pinkish swelling which could be due to scratch by dog. This comes in grade 1 category of dog bites and we need to give antirabies vaccine to child. Even if there is no scratch or bite, it is safer to give antirabies vaccine as there is no treatment of rabies. I mean why to take risk. I hope this will help you. Wishing your child good health. Take care.