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Should I Re-take Anti-rabies Vaccine When I Missed Four Doses Due To Shortage Of Vaccines?

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Posted on Wed, 2 Feb 2022
Question: Hi,
I was bitten by a dog on 17 June 2018. On 18 June, I took Equirab, the rabies immunoglobulin, and the first dose of anti-rabies vaccine. But, unfortunately, due to a shortage of vaccine, I wasn't able to take the remaining four dosage of anti-rabies vaccination.
Now, I have bought the vaccine. So, I have three questions and they're as follows:

1) Do I need to take Equirab again? I have read that if given after more than 7 days of the first dose, it might suppress making of antibody (As per WHO). But, this theory applies only if I continued with my 2nd, 3rd, and the subsequent dosage, which I didn't. Hence, if I take Equirab again, will it harm my body's ability to make antibody to fight the rabies virus?
2) Do I need to start taking anti-rabies vaccination from the beginning?
3) I took tetanus injection on 25 June 2018. For how long does tetanus vaccine work in the body and provide protection?

Please answer my questions as I am very scared and can't sleep because of fear of rabies.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
As explained below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

I have gone through the details. My answers as follows:

1) Yes, you need to start all over again. You will have to take all the 4 doses to prevent failure of vaccination. It will not harm your body.

2) Yes, you have to take from zero dose.

3) Tetanus vaccinations last for 10 years. You should then repeat with a booster dose.

I hope this answered your query.

With regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. (14 minutes later)
Thank you for your reply. So, I need to take Equirab, the rabies immunoglobin again, apart from the 5 anti-rabies vaccination. Am I right? And since I've already taken tetanus vaccine, I need not take it. Great.

Also, I was able to get Abhyarab anti-rabies vaccine and not Rabipur, which I was looking for. The pharmacists said that all are same, just different manufacturers. They aren't any different. Also, will Equirab interfere with my body's capacity to build antibody against rabies vaccine? I am just little afraid because I read on WHO website that it shouldn't be given later than 7 days from the day 1st anti-rabies vaccine was taken.

Please advice.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
As explained below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, Abhyarab and rabipur are same. You can take either of them. Equirab will not interfere with your body's capacity to build antibody, it will help your body. Don't worry, just go ahead and take the 4 doses on 0, 3,7 and 28th day.

I hope this answered your query.

With regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. (13 minutes later)
I guess, it is 0,3,7,14 and 28. Am I right?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
As explained below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, sorry. It is 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28

With regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 1037 Questions

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Should I Re-take Anti-rabies Vaccine When I Missed Four Doses Due To Shortage Of Vaccines?

Brief Answer: As explained below. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. I have gone through the details. My answers as follows: 1) Yes, you need to start all over again. You will have to take all the 4 doses to prevent failure of vaccination. It will not harm your body. 2) Yes, you have to take from zero dose. 3) Tetanus vaccinations last for 10 years. You should then repeat with a booster dose. I hope this answered your query. With regards,