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When Should Anti Rabies Vaccine Be Given To A Child After A Dog Bite?
hi my 8 year old daughter is going in for rabies vaccine tomorrow. She was bitten by a dog 7 days ago and I did not instantly see the bite mark. When I did discover she was bitten I put neosporin on the bite mark and bandaged her up..soon after I brought her to her pediatrician. Her pediatrician asked I wash the wound instantly and put her on antibiotics for two days. She said nothing about getting her a rabies vaccine. I called the health and mental hygiene department where I was told to take her in right away for rabies vaccine, actually that there is a 10 day period where she needs to get the vaccine. I m wondering if all this is correct and if it will be extremely painful. Whether or not I m still taking her in. Thanks.
Fri, 12 Jun 2020
Hi,
Was it a stray dog or domestic one? If domestic, is it vaccinated?
If not vaccinated, or if it is a stray dog, we have to start vaccine without further delay. No need to worry about 10 days delay- rabies has a comparatively longer incubation period of 1-3 months, so even now, vaccine might be effective. The vaccine is only as painful as it is for other vaccines. Nowadays, most centres give intra-dermal one, which is less painful than intra-muscular ones.
If the dog is available for observation, and has been asymptomatic throughout the 10 days period, chance of rabies is extremely rare, but stick on to the advise from authorities.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Muhammed Aslam T. K., Pediatrician
Was it a stray dog or domestic one? If domestic, is it vaccinated?
If not vaccinated, or if it is a stray dog, we have to start vaccine without further delay. No need to worry about 10 days delay- rabies has a comparatively longer incubation period of 1-3 months, so even now, vaccine might be effective. The vaccine is only as painful as it is for other vaccines. Nowadays, most centres give intra-dermal one, which is less painful than intra-muscular ones.
If the dog is available for observation, and has been asymptomatic throughout the 10 days period, chance of rabies is extremely rare, but stick on to the advise from authorities.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Muhammed Aslam T. K., Pediatrician
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