Is post-exposure tetanus prophylaxis shot required for dog scratch/bite after rabies shot?
User rating for this question
Answered by

Practicing since : 2009
Answered : 9400 Questions
Question
Hello Sir,
My son just got scratch / bite on face by dog 3hrs back, it was bleeding as well, I cleaned with dettol AND immediately gone for rabies vaccine (Rabipur) injection.
should I also go for the tetanus injection ? Pls. help and advice .
best regards,
XXXX
Posted Sat, 4 Jan 2014
in Infections
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan 46 minutes later
Brief Answer:
Yes sir, given in open wounds
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
In cases with an open wound we do advise the post-exposure tetanus prophylaxis shot as well which can also be taken at any clinic or hospital, so please go ahead with this if your son has not received a tetanus shot anytime in the last 2 years.
It is a good thing you have taken your son for the administration of the rabies vaccine immediately. I also hope they have provided you with the regimen of administration of the post-exposure vaccination:
-Day 0
-Day 3
-Day 7
-Day 14
-Day 30
Also unless totally required, we do not dress or close any wounds caused by animal bites, so please make sure this wound is not dressed or closed.
I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.
Best wishes.
The user accepted the expert's answer