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Is A Fourth Shot Of Rabies Vaccine Recommended Post Dog Bite?
Hello Dr. Grief; Recently read on CDC website that nearly 100% of recipients of RabAvert (rabies vaccine) who receive three shots at prescribed intervals will have protective antibodies to rabies after receiving the third inoculation. Any ideas why then a fourth shot recommended in the rabies vaccine protocol for exposed individuals? Also for what period of time does the rabies immune globulin (human rabies antibodies) provide protection? Is it hours, a day, or several days? And lastly, also concerning rabies, is it true exposure to vector s dry saliva not considered an exposure? And why?
Mon, 24 Nov 2014
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Dog bite on exposed surface like cuts, mucus membrane can lead to transmission of rabies.
The chances of transmission of rabies depends on number of bite marks, closeness to brain i.e. severity is more when on upper limb as compared to lower limb, chest more than abdomen and depth of wound.
Immediate treatment consistes of washing of the wound with soap and water profusely.
A tetanus toxoid should be given and human immun-globulin should be given.
Anti-rabies regime consists of multiple doses of anti-rabies vaccine at regular interval- Day 0,1,3,7,28 and 90.
Thus, the 4th dose is at day 7.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Dog bite on exposed surface like cuts, mucus membrane can lead to transmission of rabies.
The chances of transmission of rabies depends on number of bite marks, closeness to brain i.e. severity is more when on upper limb as compared to lower limb, chest more than abdomen and depth of wound.
Immediate treatment consistes of washing of the wound with soap and water profusely.
A tetanus toxoid should be given and human immun-globulin should be given.
Anti-rabies regime consists of multiple doses of anti-rabies vaccine at regular interval- Day 0,1,3,7,28 and 90.
Thus, the 4th dose is at day 7.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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