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How Long Does Antibody Protection By Anti Rabies Vaccine Persists?
Question: Hello Doctor, I got post prophylaxis anti rabies vaccination before 3 1/2 months. A dog licked me two days ago on intact skin. but I am unsure if had taken my hand unknowingly to my mouth. Do
i need to get vaccinated again?
i need to get vaccinated again?
Brief Answer:
Not required
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
The type of exposure you had is low risk exposure.
It is not known clearly that how long does the antibody protection by the vaccine persists.
After completion of vaccine series, the protective antibody level lasts for at least 2
years.
Since you have got the vaccination done around 3 months back, so with such a low
risk, you don't require further vaccination.
There is almost negligible risk of transmission of rabies virus by putting infected hnd into mouth. Moreover, you had received the vaccination 3 months back.
What is required is if possible just keep a watch on the dog, if shows any symptoms of rabies, then you should contact nearby hospital for immunoglobulins.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any other query, you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
Not required
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
The type of exposure you had is low risk exposure.
It is not known clearly that how long does the antibody protection by the vaccine persists.
After completion of vaccine series, the protective antibody level lasts for at least 2
years.
Since you have got the vaccination done around 3 months back, so with such a low
risk, you don't require further vaccination.
There is almost negligible risk of transmission of rabies virus by putting infected hnd into mouth. Moreover, you had received the vaccination 3 months back.
What is required is if possible just keep a watch on the dog, if shows any symptoms of rabies, then you should contact nearby hospital for immunoglobulins.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any other query, you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much Doctor! but I had only 3 post prophylaxis shots last time. My doctor suggested only 3 shots instead of 5 because he felt the risk was low.Will the vaccine be still effective? Thanks in advance and have a good day!
Brief Answer:
Detail Follows.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
It's all right. Since the exposure was insignificant i don't feel any need of re vaccination.
However, recommendation is to get one dose followed by another dose on 3rd day in case of re exposure.
So, if you really want to be safe, you may take 2 more doses.
If you have any further query, please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Detail Follows.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
It's all right. Since the exposure was insignificant i don't feel any need of re vaccination.
However, recommendation is to get one dose followed by another dose on 3rd day in case of re exposure.
So, if you really want to be safe, you may take 2 more doses.
If you have any further query, please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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