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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Will Anti Rabies Vaccine Be Effective?

Hello, i was scratched by a stray cat this evening. She is pregnant and a gentle cat and she acts like a domesticated cat because she does not run away when you come close. She is clingy actually and looks clean. I say she is stray bec she just lives in our bldg complex. The scratch is barely there like a needle point size only but it hurts a bit when i poured alcohol on it. I had anti rabies shots last May 2016 i think that was 2 shots only or 3 (dont quite remember) bec i had another set of shots the prev year. My question is do i need to get anti rabies shots again? The clinic where i had my shots in May said if i get bitten/scratched again after 30 days i need to go back and have shots again. Can you please help me on what to do. How long do anti rabies shots last? Do i need to get a booster? Thank you in advance. -Kate
Fri, 4 Nov 2016
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
If you can observe the cat for 10 days, then I would suggest you to do so. If the cat does not develop any symptoms of rabies till 10 days, then there is nothing that needs to be done.
If the cat cannot be observed; I would advice you to contact your local health authorities. The duration of protection depends on the antibody levels; they might look at the antibody levels and then decide on booster dose or a complete series depending upon the local protocols.
Hope the above information helps.
Thanks.
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How Long Will Anti Rabies Vaccine Be Effective?

If you can observe the cat for 10 days, then I would suggest you to do so. If the cat does not develop any symptoms of rabies till 10 days, then there is nothing that needs to be done. If the cat cannot be observed; I would advice you to contact your local health authorities. The duration of protection depends on the antibody levels; they might look at the antibody levels and then decide on booster dose or a complete series depending upon the local protocols. Hope the above information helps. Thanks.