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

Is Rabies Vaccination Required After Being Scratched By A Dog?

Posted on Mon, 3 Aug 2015

Question: Hello mam I was scratch and liitle bit teeth involved without bleeding I went to doctor and he told me to have 0 3 7 shot after which dog 55 days are over and dog is joyful and plays with all family members mam as I was anxious and panic doctor told me that complete your vaccination schedule and gave me 4 dose on 52 day and asked me to have 5 dose on 59 day??mam I should go for 5 baccination or not as all doctor told me I'm completely safe!!and mam after 40 days of gap 4 dose will harm me or help me as now I have taken it??im confused Plz help!!and mam is there anything to worry

Mam my dog is fully vaccinated and a pet!!

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dont worry get vaccinated.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.

In your case after the dog is fine so there is no possibility of rabies infection. As you have taken 3 doses they are sufficient but I see no problem in taking further doses to complete the vaccinations. So you can take full vaccination course as they have no side effects. But I assure you that even if you don't take there will be no problem. Even if few days have passed there is no problem you can get ahead to complete the course.

Take care
Hope I answered your query
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer
Dr Sheetal Verma

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

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (54 minutes later)

Thanks mam for your quick and superb answer!!mam I don't want to take further vaccination!!and mam if I mismy last dose then in future if bite occur then I have to take all the 5 vaccination again?

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes if dog bites again repeat vaccination required.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I would like to tell you that even if you complete the course of rabies vaccination and if in future the dog bites you again then you have to repeat the full vaccinations. With each bite the vaccinations have to be covered again as there is no threshold antibodies level against rabies. So be careful in future against such bites.

Best of health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (9 minutes later)

Ok thank you mam!!mam then with full confidence I can avoid last vaccination that's my last question for u!!thanking you

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you may skip if you want.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Yes if dog is fine you may skip it if you want. But there is no harm even if you complete. It depends upon your choice. As a doctor I can tell even not taking will not cause any problem. If you take your blood will have higher levels of antibodies against rabies in future.

Take care

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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