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Should I Re-start The Anti Rabies Vaccination All Over Again If I Wasn't Able To Finish The Full Dosage?
Question: Hi Doctor,
I was scratched by a dog 10 days ago and I started taking Abhyarab vaccine along with Rabies Immunoglobin (Equirab). But, due to unavailability of the vaccine, I wasn't able to finish my full dosage of anti-rabies vaccine.
Now, I think I should start the vaccination all over again. I have one more doubt. Should I also take Equirab along with the first anti-rabies vaccine even though I have taken it 10 days ago? I have read at many journals that if I take it again along with the first vaccine of anti-rabies, Equirab might interfere with the development of antibodies. Is it correct?
Please suggest what should I do?
I was scratched by a dog 10 days ago and I started taking Abhyarab vaccine along with Rabies Immunoglobin (Equirab). But, due to unavailability of the vaccine, I wasn't able to finish my full dosage of anti-rabies vaccine.
Now, I think I should start the vaccination all over again. I have one more doubt. Should I also take Equirab along with the first anti-rabies vaccine even though I have taken it 10 days ago? I have read at many journals that if I take it again along with the first vaccine of anti-rabies, Equirab might interfere with the development of antibodies. Is it correct?
Please suggest what should I do?
Brief Answer:
No need of Equirab again
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You must check for health of the biting dog before you proceed with vaccine. Since the 10 days period has already passed and you did not develop rabies, the dog also did not die to rabies, then no need of vaccine.
If the dog cannot be traced then you may take the whole course again if there was bleeding at the bite site.
Anyways no need to take Equirab again. It is just meant for injecting the immunity until natural immunity develops right after the bite.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
No need of Equirab again
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You must check for health of the biting dog before you proceed with vaccine. Since the 10 days period has already passed and you did not develop rabies, the dog also did not die to rabies, then no need of vaccine.
If the dog cannot be traced then you may take the whole course again if there was bleeding at the bite site.
Anyways no need to take Equirab again. It is just meant for injecting the immunity until natural immunity develops right after the bite.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Doctor,
Thank you for your reply. But, just to pacify myself, if I take Equirab along with the first dose of anti-rabies vaccine on day 0, will it interfere with the ability of the body to make antibodies?
In other words, is there any harm in taking Equirab again? Yes, I will start the 5 vaccinations again.
Please advice.
Thank you for your reply. But, just to pacify myself, if I take Equirab along with the first dose of anti-rabies vaccine on day 0, will it interfere with the ability of the body to make antibodies?
In other words, is there any harm in taking Equirab again? Yes, I will start the 5 vaccinations again.
Please advice.
Brief Answer:
Yes, there can be harm in taking Equirab again
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, there can be increased risk of allergic reaction to Equirab when taking within few days. It can also interfere with natural immunity.
Regards,
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Yes, there can be harm in taking Equirab again
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, there can be increased risk of allergic reaction to Equirab when taking within few days. It can also interfere with natural immunity.
Regards,
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the reply. I, too, read about it in WHO medical journals that rabies immunoglobin shouldn't be given after 7 days of administrating the first dose of anti-rabies vaccine. This is applied when a person takes his full 5 doses of vaccines. But, in my case, I have only taken one single dose along with Equirab.
So, will it definitely harm my antibody-making capacity if I start taking the anti-rabies vaccine with Equirab administered along with the first dose of anti-rabies vaccine?
Also, should I take a tetanus injection? Please help me out. I am really afraid.
So, will it definitely harm my antibody-making capacity if I start taking the anti-rabies vaccine with Equirab administered along with the first dose of anti-rabies vaccine?
Also, should I take a tetanus injection? Please help me out. I am really afraid.
Brief Answer:
Kindly address your fears
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Kindly be reassured that you are not at risk of rabies or tetanus. Have you taken rabies and tetanus vaccine within previous 5 years? If you have taken, then you do not need the full course or tetanus shot. If you have taken these vaccines, you already have "too much" immunity in you against these diseases.
Regards,
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Kindly address your fears
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Kindly be reassured that you are not at risk of rabies or tetanus. Have you taken rabies and tetanus vaccine within previous 5 years? If you have taken, then you do not need the full course or tetanus shot. If you have taken these vaccines, you already have "too much" immunity in you against these diseases.
Regards,
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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