Should Rabies Vaccine Be Repeated After Mucosal Exposure?
I had a full cycle post prophylaxis rabies vaccine ( 5 shots) before 1 year and 3 months. Again 3 1/2 months back I had 3 shots of post prophylaxis vaccine. Both the cases, I was not bitten by a dog, but I was licked by dogs in my hand and leg respectively where I had some small abrasions. Again few days back, I was licked by a dog in my hand but I am pretty sure that I didn't had any cuts and the lick was on intact skin. However I fear I had taken my infected hand to mouth unknowingly after the lick. Do I need to vaccinate again? Also I was given immunoglobulin with every vaccine shot that I had ( all the 8 times). Please make me clear if I need to vaccinate again?
Thanks!
You will require re-vaccination
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Mr XXXXXXX
As you had lick on the hand and you had accidentally put the hand in mouth: It is equivalent to mucosal exposure which is severe exposure (Category 3).
If reexposed,(as in your case)
persons who have previously received full post-exposure prophylaxis
(either by IM or ID route) with a potent cell-culture vaccine should now be given
only two booster doses, intramuscularly (0.5ml/1ml)/intra-dermally on days 0 and 3. Proper wound toilet should be done. Treatment with
RIG(Rabies Immunoglbulin) is not necessary.
You can find the Government of XXXXXXX NAtional guidelines for management of Rabies prophylaxis.
http://www.ncdc.gov.in/Rabies_Guidelines.pdf
Rabies is a disease with 100% mortality. The risk of re-vaccination are less compared to mortality.
In case you require any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Consultant Surgeon
Go ahead with vaccination
Detailed Answer:
Namasthe
Even though hand was dry there will be virus on it if the dog was infected. It's still advisable to go ahead with vaccination , especially if it's a stray dog.
Take care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak