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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Antirabies Vaccination Needed After Being Bitten By A Vaccinated Dog?

hello doc, It s me again Elwen. I have another case. My father was bitten by our dog last night and he said it was bleeding. Our dog is completely vaccinated including its antirabies last July 4, 2014. But when my father went to the hospital last night, the doctor injected him antirabies and tetanus vaccine. Is it necessary doc even if our dog is vaccinated and stays only at home? It can only get outside together with us and with its leash. It is already 6 months old this coming September 16. Thanks doc.
Mon, 15 Sep 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi welcome to Healthcaremagic,
In case of bite by a vaccinated dog that is at home and can be kept under observation, there are protocols that suggest anti rabies vaccine may be withheld. In such cases the dog is to be observed for 10 days, and vaccine may be started in case the dog develops symptoms.

But the problem is that there are many reasons for the vaccination of dog have been ineffective. The risk of dog being infected with rabies is greatly reduced when it appears healthy and there is confirmed history of vaccination with minimum of two immunizations with potent rabies vaccine in last two years.

What I prefer is to start the vaccine immediately following the bite irrespective of the vaccination status of dog, observe the dog for 10days and vaccination can be stopped if dog is healthy after 10days.
This is protocol is followed by many national policies for anti rabies vaccination.
Hope it's clear for you.
Do reply via Healthcaremagic in case you need further clarification.
Thank you.
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Is Antirabies Vaccination Needed After Being Bitten By A Vaccinated Dog?

Hi welcome to Healthcaremagic, In case of bite by a vaccinated dog that is at home and can be kept under observation, there are protocols that suggest anti rabies vaccine may be withheld. In such cases the dog is to be observed for 10 days, and vaccine may be started in case the dog develops symptoms. But the problem is that there are many reasons for the vaccination of dog have been ineffective. The risk of dog being infected with rabies is greatly reduced when it appears healthy and there is confirmed history of vaccination with minimum of two immunizations with potent rabies vaccine in last two years. What I prefer is to start the vaccine immediately following the bite irrespective of the vaccination status of dog, observe the dog for 10days and vaccination can be stopped if dog is healthy after 10days. This is protocol is followed by many national policies for anti rabies vaccination. Hope it s clear for you. Do reply via Healthcaremagic in case you need further clarification. Thank you.