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Should An Anti-rabies Shot Be Taken After A Dog Scratch?
Question: Hi Sir, I am XXXX writing from XXXXXXX XXXXXXX My query is regarding rabies decease. On 30 XXXXXXX 2015 that is 7 days before a doc had scratched near my knee and there were no bleeding. The dog is still healthy and alive but never vaccinated. Do I need to take any vaccination as the scratch was very minor.
Brief Answer:
Better to take vaccination
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Since the dog is healthy after 7days therefore the chance of rabies is less. However international guidelines suggest that vaccination is recommended if the scratch is on neck and head even if dog is ok. Since the dog scratched the knee so risk is less.
I suggest you please take a course of anti rabies vaccination as a precaution because the dog did not get vaccination.
If you play with the dog regularly then it will be good to get the dog vaccinated also.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Better to take vaccination
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Since the dog is healthy after 7days therefore the chance of rabies is less. However international guidelines suggest that vaccination is recommended if the scratch is on neck and head even if dog is ok. Since the dog scratched the knee so risk is less.
I suggest you please take a course of anti rabies vaccination as a precaution because the dog did not get vaccination.
If you play with the dog regularly then it will be good to get the dog vaccinated also.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
How much days I have to take the vaccination? I am asking this because I have to be out of town for 5 days from tomorrow.
Brief Answer:
Please take 5 dose schedule starting from tomorrow
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
Since you have not taken any vaccination yet, you should take 1 injection on day 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 as scheduled taking day 0 as tomorrow and day 28 as 28 days from tomorrow. The objective of this schedule is to create adequate amount of antibodies in you and this is achieved by taking injections as per a 5 dose schedule. Taking the injections this way will cause a steady level of antibodies and give you protection.
This injection is available in most places and you can take the cover of the injection and buy the exact injection from a pharmacy and take it at any clinic when you are away from home.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please take 5 dose schedule starting from tomorrow
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
Since you have not taken any vaccination yet, you should take 1 injection on day 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 as scheduled taking day 0 as tomorrow and day 28 as 28 days from tomorrow. The objective of this schedule is to create adequate amount of antibodies in you and this is achieved by taking injections as per a 5 dose schedule. Taking the injections this way will cause a steady level of antibodies and give you protection.
This injection is available in most places and you can take the cover of the injection and buy the exact injection from a pharmacy and take it at any clinic when you are away from home.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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