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Is Defer A Day After Anti- Rabies Injection A Side Effect?

Posted on Fri, 17 Dec 2021

Question: Hi,

Yesterday, I gave my son anti-rabies injection (Abhyarab). Today, he has 101 degree Fahrenheit fever. Is this the side effect? I am very worried. Please suggest what to do. My son is 2.7 years old.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Fever can be there after anti rabies vaccine

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Fever can be there after any vaccination and indicates the immunological reaction.
Although fever is comparitively less common after anti rabies vaccination but it may occur.
Considering the recent vaccination history and in absence of other signs of infection, to me it appears to be due to vaccination.
Most of the time it responds well to paracetamol and subsides within a day or two.
If fever persists longer or if there are other symptoms of allergy, signs of infection like cough or any skin infection;plaese consult your pediatrician.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (10 minutes later)

Hi Doctor,

Thank you for the reply. Yesterday was his first dose of vaccination. In total, as you know, he needs to take 5 anti-rabies vaccines. He is due for his 2nd dose of anti-rabies on June 9.

is it fine if he has fever now?

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can go for next dose safely if there is no adverse reactions

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for follow up

Fever, local reactions are considered to be minor reaction and these are not contraindications for next dose.
Fever can be due to infection of wound(bitten by dog) and in that condition antibiotic should be taken.Most of the physicians prescribe antibiotic routinely after dog bite anticipating the secondary bacterial infection.
If really there is any significant reaction like generalised rashes, high grade fever(more than 103),abnormal movement, respiratory distress or low blood pressure the vaccine should be avoided or can be taken under physicians supervision.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 days later)

Hi,

Out of 5 dosage of anti-rabies injections, my 3 years old son has taken 2 dosage in the gluteal region (near the buttocks). I was told that since my son is only 3 years old, he doesn't have enough deltoid muscle.

My question is this: Is giving anti-rabies injection in gluteal region effective?
Should I give the 3,4 and 5 dosage on the deltoid region?
Or, should I give him additional dosage after completing the 5th dose? If yes, when?

Or, should I start his vaccination from the beginning?

I'm very scared. I don't know if giving anti-rabies vaccine in the gluteal region would be effective.

Please clear my doubts.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Better you start from beginning without taking account of previous one

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Rabies vaccine should not be given in gluteal region and any injection given in gluteus should not be taken into account.
I would suggest you to begin from the first dose. The interval should be like from the beginning of the dose. In children it can be given in anterolateral aspect of thigh also.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (6 days later)

Hi Doctor,

I had been bitten by a dog and have taken my first dosage of anti-rabies vaccination. However, I missed my second dosage. I know it's dangerous. Hence, to be on the safe side, I want to start from the first vaccination again. Can I do it? I am scared as I know the result of rabies. Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please take that dose as early as possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I can understand your concern.
If there is delay of 2-3 days you can continue with the same schedule considering the 2nd dose given on 3rd day. The next dose will be as usual as on 7th day(4days from the dose of 2nd dose).
If delay is more than 3 days for 2nd dose or more than 14 days for the 3rd dose, vaccination should be restarted considering the initial doses ineffective.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (7 hours later)

Hi,

Thank you for the reply. I understood what you said. But as I have taken only a single dosage of anti-rabies vaccination, I don't want to take any chances. So, is there any harm if I start aftesh? Doctor, I wasn't able to sleep at night due to fear.

So, please let me know if I can start from the first vaccine? Honestly, I want to start from the first vaccination.

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would suggest to follow the recommendations

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Don't get overly worried. As you have already missed the dose, the only thing you can do it to follow the recommended schedule strictly.
I don't find any advantage of starting with beginning.
You may consult your pediatrician about the options.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (37 minutes later)

Yes, like you mentioned, there isn't any advantages in starting from the beginning. But there isn't any harm either. Is it? I know my worries aren't logical. I seriously want to start afresh. So, is there any disadvantage in starting afresh?

Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As such there is no known major problem with extra dosage

Detailed Answer:
Hi

There is no known major adverse effect with extra dose of rabies vaccine. You can go for it to relieve your anxiety, after consulting your pediatrician.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng