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Is Repetition Of Anti-rabies Vaccination Required For A Dog Bite After 2 Months?

Posted on Tue, 21 Jun 2016

Question: Hi i have 2 booster doses for dog bite in march (last dose given on 14march 2016), i live in highly risk area where stray dogs are more unfortunately on 3rd may i had been contacted again with dog while walking in dark area, i checked my right leg foot and could not find any suspicious but a white mark was there on finger (not sure its dogs or natural one) and immediately with in 10 minutes i washed with soap and water, i consulted a physician he informed as i had booster doses only 30 days back no need for again booster doses since the immunity system would be valid for 6 months he given me TT injection and said i am safe, but i thought of having second suggestion can you guide me whether i should go for booster doses or not. I have been observing the dog and its safe as of now.

Answered by Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
you are safe. dont worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
Yes your doctor is right. Once completed the course and with booster you have protection for atleast next 6 months from taking last dose.
So yes you are very much safe. TT injection is enough for now.
Also as you mentioned it was just something white scratch like and not bleeding or contact with blood so there also there is no risk even if you were not immunized recently.
So both ways you are safe and there is no need to be worried of it.
I hope I have answered your query well.
If you have any questions kindly ask me back.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (5 hours later)

Thanks a lot doctor, so in worst case even if there was a bite which was gone un noticed so no need of vaccination?. And also i take alcohol weekends regularly does the immunity system gets down due to drinking.

Answered by Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes. no need of again vaccination. alcohol won't matter

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for following up with me.
Yes, even if there was a bite with bleeding as you were recently vaccinated, there is no need of again vaccination. You will be still protected.
Alcohol won't cause any reduction in immunity as such as far rabies is concerned. It has other ill effects if overdone like on liver which you must be aware of. So nothing as such pertaining to rabies.
Do not worry.
Hope this advice satisfues your query.
If you have any questions kindly ask me back.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad