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Suggest Vaccination For Possible Exposure To Rabies Infection

Posted on Wed, 4 Feb 2015

Question: hi sir i was previously imnunized (5 doses) 1 year ago , now i got 2 doses post exposure since 1 dog licked me, but the dog is not rapid, !again a week later a stray dog licked me in hand is it necessary to take another 2 doses

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Stray dog lick in previously immunized individual

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
When a previously immunized(5 doses in your case) individual is exposed to rabies, two booster doses of vaccine should be administered on days 0 and 3.
Transmission from non-bite exposures (licks in your case) is relatively uncommon. There is no need to give any further dose for a stray dog licking within a week period, as the booster dose effect is already under-way.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (17 minutes later)

previously immunized ( 5 doses) 1year ago, took 2 doses when dog licked , 1 week later again stray dog licked can i take extra vaccines , any effect if i take 3 doses of post exposure

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
post-exposure rabies vaccination depend on antibody level

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Serum neutralizing antibody tests against rabies virus help determine the need for subsequent booster doses.
In a previously immunized(5 doses in your case) individual ,if the neutralizing antibody level is more than 0.5 IU/ml ,only two booster doses of vaccine should be administered on days 0 and 3. Otherwise full exposure treatment should be given.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (59 minutes later)

i have taken o.5 ml dose ( 5doses)1year ago, !and again 2 doses post exposure ,a week later i think i was licked ( not sure licked or unlicked), but the doctor says u dont need vaccine, but i feel for my comfort i shall have one more, can i use other brand vaccine

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Post-exposure prophylaxis against rabies

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

I would advise you to undergo Serum neutralizing antibody tests against rabies virus before taking any decision regarding third dose.
You need to follow the standard practice.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E