For How Long Is The Dose Of Rabipur Effective?

Posted on Tue, 26 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 Answered on

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
My pet bit me by mistake and i took 3 doses of rabiur as my pet is already vaccinated,
Next last year a street dog bit me by mistake again and i took another 3 doses. 6 months later, my pet bit me again and i was wondering if i need t take the injections again. How long does a dose of rabipur protect you against rabies?
Ive been taking the injection almost every 6 months.
Do i need any dose now?

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rabies vaccination

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

You have already taken 3 doses of rabiur following first bite by your pet.
That amounts to pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Following that after a gap of 1 year ,you were bitten by a street dog.Two doses of Rabipur ( on days 0 and 3.)would have been sufficient but you have taken 3 doses.
Now after 6 months ,you have been by your pet again.

You can undergo serum neutralizing antibody tests against rabies to determine the need for subsequent booster doses.An antibody level above 0.5 IU/ml indicates immunity.

You need not take rabies vaccination every 06 months.

Vaccine-induced immunity persists in most cases for years, a booster would be recommended only if rabies virus neutralizing antibody titres fall to <0.5 IU/ml.

Those who are not at continual risk of exposure through their activities, should have serological monitoring every 2 years.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (9 hours later)

Thank you for the reply doctor.
I have a follow up question.
I am unable to find a diagnostic centre near me that does the serum test for antibodies.
Is it safe to just take a booster dose without finding the blood titre level or is that dangerous?
Also, its been more than 24 hours since the bite. so can i take the dose or is it not necessary?
My pet has been vaccinated and been taking the booster dose every year but I'm not exactly sure about the last years dose.
What would you recommend i do?

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rabies vaccination

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome back.
You can find out from Religare Srl Diagnostics or Dr Lal's pathology lab from their website.
In case you are unable to carry out the tests and not sure about the vaccination status of your pet dog,two booster doses of vaccine should be administered on days 0 and 3 i.e the schedule followed when a previously immunized individual is exposed to rabies.

Regards.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak