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How Long Does Immunity Last After Receiving Rabies Vaccination?

Posted on Tue, 6 Jun 2017

Question: Dear Dr. While taking morning walk today, my new neighbor's dog got unleashed and rushed to me in a very playful mood. While pushing him off I got a few scratches/bruises likely from his paws or bushes in the park. I came back home and washed these with running water and sprayed deodorant. Incidentally I have been vaccinated by 5 does of Rabipur about 1.5 years back. Do I have to do anything more now e.g. Get shots. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Antibody lasts for various duration of time...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Generally antibodies produced after a complete rabies vaccination may lasts for 10 years. However 2 booster doses are required after every suspected / dog bites.

In this case, the injuries sustained was few scratches without contact with saliva. This type of exposure has very minimal to no risk of infection. Further more the dog is your neighbours pet. You can check whether or not the dog has received rabies vaccination. Alteratively you could watch this pet dog for 2 weeks. You are least likely to be infected if either the dog is vaccinated or if the dog stays healthy beyond 2 weeks.

In simple and short terms, instead of preparing for more shots, check with your neighbour if the dog is vaccinated or not. If not, you can watch the dog for 2 weeks - the dog remains healthy; you will not be infected.
But if you are not convinced with this type of action plan, you can safely take 2 additional boosters of vaccination.

Hope this is clear. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (10 hours later)

Thankyou very much Doctor. As a follow up, can you please guide me (I have attached a photo of scratches as well for your judgement). In-case the Dog in question develops issues in two weeks, what choices I will have at that time. Thanks a lot to clarify this.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need vaccination...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I was able to view the injuries. In terms of rabies exposure, this type of injury is categorized as 'Cat 2' injury. If your neighbour has not vaccinated his/her pet dog and if the dog develops symptoms / illness, you need two shots of rabies vaccination taken at day 0 and day 3.

Either if the dog is vaccinated or if the dog survives and remains healthy for 2 weeks (10 days to be more specific), then you need not be worried about infection.

Hope I am clear. Let me know if you have any more doubts.
If all your questions are answered, please close this discussion.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (8 hours later)

Thank you so much Doctor. My concluding question, is there any adverse effect of anyway taking two doses at day 0 and 3 of Rabipur? Apreciate your help. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
None.

Detailed Answer:
No, you will not have any side effects especially when you have taken 5 doses without side effects earlier. The 2 doses that you take will augment previously present antibodies to fight current or future infections if any.

Hope this answered your question. please close this discussion if all your questions are answered.

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. Kampana