HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

When Should Rabies Vaccination Be Taken?

Posted on Tue, 25 Oct 2016

Question: Within how much time vaccine should be taken after dog bite. I was bitten 35 years back. Took full course 7 years back. Do I need anything else now

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need some further details regarding..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM,
I've gone through your query and understand your concern,

Ideally speaking, after risky exposure i.e. Dog bite, Anti-Rabies vaccine should be initiated at the earliest and the first dose may extend up to 7 days(depending on circumstances)..

35 yrs was long time back, and you've mentioned that you've taken full course (I believe your referring to all the 5 courses here) 7 yrs back, so was there a 28 years time gap ? Please clarify this..

If you haven't suffered any new onset risky exposure then you don't need any further investigations and/ vaccinations..

If there's any new episode of animal bite/ risky exposure then further vaccinations will be required..so if there's any then please let me know about it in details so that I can guide you accordingly..

In case of any doubts, antibody titer estimation can be performed which'll give a clear idea about the current status, if titres are below 0.5 IU/ml at any time and if your a zoo-handler, or at continuous/frequent risks, one booster dose should be administered as per WHO recommendation..and if there's any recent bite, then at first the bite area must be assessed by a doctor, then it should be manged as per the severity of the bite wound and exposure category (just let me know all theses details specifically, so that I can guide you further)..

Let me know if there's any further queries..

Take Care
Kind Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (5 hours later)

Thank you very much. Yes it was 28 years gap and I got vaccination only because I got exposed to cat saliva on my hand 7 years back again. When I got dog bite I was less then 2 years old. I am not a pet lover or zoo handler.
Should I go through prescribed tests?
Regards

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry, however routine and timely follow-up to continue..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome back,
Thanks for following up with the details,

Since you haven't qualified in the high/continuous freq. risk groups, no need to worry..

As per your description, since you haven't got any recent animal bites/licks on open wound/scratches, there's no need to undergo for those prescribed tests at the moment..

Stay safe..stay healthy..

Take Care
Kind Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (1 hour later)

Thanks !!

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your most welcome..

Detailed Answer:

Your most welcome

Take Care
Kind 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. Arnab Banerjee