I Have Question Regarding Rabies Vaccines

Posted on Thu, 9 Jul 2020

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

Thu, 9 Jul 2020 Answered on

Thu, 4 Sep 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Dear Sir/Madam,

I have question regarding rabbies vaccines. A couple of years ago I had received the 3 shots (pre-exposure) of Verorab vaccines within the advised 21 days period.

The doctor who gave the shots advised that I should get a booster shot after 1 year. I skipped that based on the info I could find on the webpage of WHO, which stated that the 3 shots were enough for casual travelers who have no strong exposure to endangered animals.

Let's say i will be bitten by a rabid animal a few years from now, in this case what type of post exposure treatment will I need? The one which is advised for people who have not received pre-exposure vaccination or the one for those who have received pre-exposure vaccination?

Thank you very much in advance!

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You will be treated as a person which has received pre exposure vaccination

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I think that if you get bitten by an animal you may receive post exposure treatment used for people who have received pre exposed treatment.
You have received three doses of vaccination so you are vaccinated and the forth dose or buster may be used in high risk patients.
You have immunity as a vaccinated person.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D