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Can 5 Shots Of Anti-rabies Vaccine Cause Any Harm?

Posted on Mon, 17 Sep 2018

Question: Sir, I had a street dog bite on my left leg on 7th of Feb, 2018 and blood was also coming from my leg and there are deep teeth marks of dog also. Within 2 hours of this incident I took first shot of XPRAB Rabies Vaccine 0.05ml. I have been advised by local doctor to take 3 shots of vaccine i.e. on 0,3 and 7 day but I have come across from different sources that a person who has never taken any anti rabies vaccine in his life if bitten badly by a stray dog should take 5 shots of anti rabies . Please advise should I taken 5 shots or 3 shots of anti rabies and I don’t wish to take a single chance. (I am very depressed and restless due to this incident). Please advise me on following queries:-
1 Is there any harm if I take 5 shots of anti rabies vaccine instead of 3 shots ?
2 Are doses of anti rabies vaccine in my case it is 0.05ml remain same in all five shots?
3 Please advise the days of shots and dose of vaccine.
4 I have never taken any anti rabies vaccine in my life before this.
5 My age is 43 (Female) and weight is 62kg.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

4 dose schedule is currently followed.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Currently, the four-dose schedule is followed. That means .5ml vaccines taken on day 0, 3 , 7, 14 0r 28.

There is no harm in taking extra doses as it boosts up your immunity and does no harm to you.

You can take an extra shot on day 14.

No need to worry as this vaccine is highly effective.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (1 hour later)

Sir, should I take HRIG vaccine also besides the 4 shots of anti rabies. If yes on what day it should be taken.
Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

If it is a stray dog , better to take HRIG

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

It is better I take HRIG as you have bitten by a rabid dog.
HRIG is given to biting site and it should be taken at the earliest. It can be given till day 7 of the first dose of ARV but not later.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (27 minutes later)

Sir, that means I can take HRIG today itself as it is my 3rd day i.e 10-2-2018 ( I had dog bite on 7th Feb, 2018) along with my 2nd shot of anti rabies Vaccine . My understanding is that only one dose of HRIG will be taken besides 4 shots of anti rabies vaccine.Moreover, please guide me if HRIG has any side effect.

Appreciate your early response.

Thanks !

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:

You can take HRIG shot now itself.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

You can take HRIG shot now along with the second dose of rabies vaccine.

It is a single shot injection and it is given at the bite site.

Side effects are minimal. The common side effect is the allergic reaction.

But no need to worry as we usually give test dose before giving HRIG.

If you are allergic to HRIG we can give antiallergic medicines along with HRIG.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee