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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Do Anti-Rabies Vaccination Shots Stay In The System?

Hi! I just got bitten by my puppy but it isn t fully immunised yet. I had already been bitten once in the last four months, and I finished my anti-rabies shots last January. Do I still need to get more shots for the newer bite or should I just treat it myself? It s just a small bite, by the way.
Mon, 18 Apr 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome to HCM.
Antirabies vaccination is effective as long the rabies antibody level is above 0.5 IU/mL in the system.
Following a course of 4 or 5 anti rabies shots the antibodies reach a peak after 30 days and protect a person against rabies infection.
The duration of the protection is said to be as long the rabies antibody level in blood is above is 0.5 IU/mL. This can continue for at least 2 years after vaccination course.
However, for the newer bite as per latest WHO guidelines, you should take two doses on day 0 and 3 if you have previous received full post dog-bite vaccination with a potent cell-culture vaccine. A full vaccination course of 5 doses is recommended if you have previously vaccinated with a nerve tissue vaccine. In addition local treatment of wounds should always be carried out.
Also get you puppy vaccination against rabies and keep the vaccination certificate safe and present during annual vaccination.
Hope this will help you and your puppy.
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How Long Do Anti-Rabies Vaccination Shots Stay In The System?

Hi & Welcome to HCM. Antirabies vaccination is effective as long the rabies antibody level is above 0.5 IU/mL in the system. Following a course of 4 or 5 anti rabies shots the antibodies reach a peak after 30 days and protect a person against rabies infection. The duration of the protection is said to be as long the rabies antibody level in blood is above is 0.5 IU/mL. This can continue for at least 2 years after vaccination course. However, for the newer bite as per latest WHO guidelines, you should take two doses on day 0 and 3 if you have previous received full post dog-bite vaccination with a potent cell-culture vaccine. A full vaccination course of 5 doses is recommended if you have previously vaccinated with a nerve tissue vaccine. In addition local treatment of wounds should always be carried out. Also get you puppy vaccination against rabies and keep the vaccination certificate safe and present during annual vaccination. Hope this will help you and your puppy.