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Does Alcohol Interact With Rabies Vaccination?

Posted on Sat, 14 May 2016

Question: Hello sir, I had my first shot of rabies vaccination today since I had scratch marks from my one and a half months old Doberman puppy.Unfortunately I had two glasses of whiskey at my friends' party 2 hours after the vaccination which I tried not to have but I ended up having a shot.Will the alcohol interact with my vaccination.Also I hv a query about the number of vaccination shots (either 3 or 4) .The puppy is safe and healthy anyway.Please do reply.Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dont worry about alcohol; need to know the route of vaccination

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query in Healthcaremagic.com.
This is Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta answering your query.

I understand your concern.
Let me answer your queries one by one.

1. Dont worry about your alcohol intake following vaccination. 2 glasses of whiskey will not interfere with the efficacy of vaccination. But avoid regular intake of alcohol.

2. Rabies vaccination has various schedules according to route of administration in World Health Organisation Rabies vaccination guide.

Intramuscular regimen is commonly used which has 5 shots in one month duration on 0,3,7,14,30 days, and if multisite regimen is used, 3 days are sufficient on 0,7,21 days.

Intradermal regimen is used less commonly and has a course where 6 shots are given.

So kindly inform me about your route and site (single or multiple) of administration so that I could help you further.

Hope I have answered your question.

If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (4 hours later)

Thanks sir.I had vaccination at the deltoid muscle(I.M) of both the arms at a health centre.I was also informed that I should have my next shots at 3rd,7th,21st day following yesterday's shot.Shall I go for that regimen.Please do reply.Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes continue your regimen

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thank you for writing back.

1. Yes you should continue with the regimen. In multisite shots, injections on days 0,7,21 are sufficient but some doctors give an additional dose on day 3. It is perfectly okay.
2. Your parents need not take any vaccine now. Unless there is any scratch or bite, there is no absolute indication of vaccine. Rather get your puppy vaccinated if it is not yet done.
3. Well, though there is no definite time period, but 5-10 years of protection is what one can expect. Also, those who are frequently exposed, a booster dose is advised every 5 years.

Hope this helps.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (25 minutes later)

Hello sir,Thanks for your kind reply sir.That is highly helpful.My puppy's rabies vaccination period is still two months away.Is it advisable that I make my parents wait until then without them getting vaccinated.That is my final query.Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No need of vaccination for them unless there is an exposure like yours

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
There is no need of vaccination for your parents unless there has been an exposure of scratching or bite like yours.
You can get your puppy vaccinated as per schedule.
That will reduce risk of transmission if any.

Hope this was useful.
Regards.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D