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Do I Need The Rabies Vaccine After Coming In Close Contact With Bats?

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Posted on Fri, 7 Jul 2023
Question: I was wondering if I need the rabies vaccine. A couple days ago I was working in an attic that had bats. I know at least one bat flew right by me. I never felt a bite but I've had several people tell me I should get the rabies shots as I wouldn't necessarily feel the bat bite or contact. I'm in Michigan. Thanks for taking the time to answer.
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Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Rabies for bat infestation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

If you constantly see bats and rabid animals around you and have the fear of being bitten you can take rabies vaccine.
For the incident you just described with no obvious bite signs you can omit the rabies vaccine. Rabies vaccine should not be taken when there is no risk.
If you are in doubt you can get the entire body examined by primary care to find the signs of bite.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

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Do I Need The Rabies Vaccine After Coming In Close Contact With Bats?

Brief Answer: Rabies for bat infestation. Detailed Answer: Hi, If you constantly see bats and rabid animals around you and have the fear of being bitten you can take rabies vaccine. For the incident you just described with no obvious bite signs you can omit the rabies vaccine. Rabies vaccine should not be taken when there is no risk. If you are in doubt you can get the entire body examined by primary care to find the signs of bite.