Is Anti Rabies Vaccination Required During Pregnancy After Scratch By A Puppy?

Posted on Mon, 3 Aug 2015

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

Mon, 3 Aug 2015 Answered on

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Sir ! About a month back a stray bitch in my colony brought a pup in our house, while it was raining heavily outside. We allowed her in and since then the pup is staying in our house. The mother comes regularly and feeds her. I had taken the pup to a vet and it is yet to be vaccinated. I am about 15 weeks pregnant and have been administered the tetnac injection. Around 4-5 days back, i noticed a little scatch, about an inch, near my right elbow, which is not deep but shows signs of a healing scratch ( i dnt know the exact term.. redness healing tht appears on a scratch). I am not sure if its by his nail or some other object. It is not from his tooth that is sure. What do i do ? Do i need vaccination ? Is this vaccine going to have any side effect on my baby ? Please advise, as i am nervous and afraid.

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need for vaccination.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,

I understand your concern.

As per your history you seem to have extremely low risk of acquiring rabies .

Hence you do not need vaccination.

The risk reduces to zero,if the animal is alive,when you observe her for 10 days.

In case if you are still in doubt,you can get vaccinated.

This vaccine is not contraindicated in pregnancy.

Also it has no evil effects on the baby.

Post your further queries if any,
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T