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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long After An Animal Bite Should Rabies Vaccination Be Taken?

Hi I was bitten by a monkey in bali on the 17th May and went to my doctor as soon as I was back home on the 27th May. I am struggling to fill the script due to lack of availability and was wondering if there was a time limit to when the vaccine will work? The bite did not break the skin or bleed. Should I be worried? Thank you Ashleigh
Thu, 25 Jun 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM!
I have read your post and my answer is as follows: if your skin is really intact, than then there is no risk of infection. However, the skin might be intact but it could be bruised or scratched so in this case the risk could be present depending on the degree of damage. If such is the case, then you should get vaccinated as soon as possible since the incubation period is very different in different individuals, ranging from a few days to up to one year. The fact that you didnt notice any changes in your health yet, therefore, does not guarantee that there is no infection (always if the skin is broken). Therefore, in this case, getting the vaccine is the right approach, and then following the vaccination schedule of three doses.
Once again, if the skin is really intact after bite, then there should be no risk of infection. In all other instances you should be vaccinated against rabies as a precaution measure.
Hope it helped! Best!
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How Long After An Animal Bite Should Rabies Vaccination Be Taken?

Hello and welcome to HCM! I have read your post and my answer is as follows: if your skin is really intact, than then there is no risk of infection. However, the skin might be intact but it could be bruised or scratched so in this case the risk could be present depending on the degree of damage. If such is the case, then you should get vaccinated as soon as possible since the incubation period is very different in different individuals, ranging from a few days to up to one year. The fact that you didnt notice any changes in your health yet, therefore, does not guarantee that there is no infection (always if the skin is broken). Therefore, in this case, getting the vaccine is the right approach, and then following the vaccination schedule of three doses. Once again, if the skin is really intact after bite, then there should be no risk of infection. In all other instances you should be vaccinated against rabies as a precaution measure. Hope it helped! Best!