Is There A Problem If I Start Their Vaccination Fresh?

Posted on Thu, 5 Nov 2020

Thu, 5 Nov 2020 Answered on

Fri, 23 May 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor. My two kids, aged 5 and 3 years, were bitten by dog few days ago. I started anti-rabies vaccination the next day. Unfortunately, due to unavailability of anti-rabies vaccine, they missed their second dose. It has been delayed by 1 day. Now, is there a problem if I start their vaccination fresh? I mean, I want to start the vaccination from dose 1. It is told that if someone misses the first 3 dosages (0, 3, 7) they should start all over again. Please advise. I am very scared.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam TK (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need not restart

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

We need not restart the entire schedule in this scenario- just resuming the usual schedule is enough. This is the latest recommendation from WHO(world health organisation)

I hope this answer will help
Let me know if I can assist you further
Regards, Dr Aslam

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Muhammed Aslam TK (11 hours later)

Thank you for the answer, doctor. But, if I restart the vaccination schedule, is there a problem? It is just that it will keep lingering in my mind. Moreover, they have been given only 1 dose and I will get the vaccine only in a couple of days as there is a shortage of vaccines Hence, I was thinking of restarting the vaccination schedule. There would be more than a day of delay.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam TK (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No problem, but not needed/useful

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I completely understand your concern .

But here, as I mentioned earlier, no need to restart the schedule, even though it will not cause any problem.

As per WHO recommendation, first 3 doses(day-0, 3, &7) need to be completed in 10 days from the starting date. Only if it spans over more than 10 days period, or if some doses are missed, we need to give additional doses.
A delay of 1-2 days will not interfere with immunogenicity or efficacy of vaccine.

All these guidelines are formulated based on scientific research and studies. So we can follow them with peace of mind. Stay relaxed.

Hope I have answered your query
If you need further clarification, I will be happy to help
Take care

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

Follow up: Dr. Muhammed Aslam TK (2 hours later)

Hi doctor, Thanks a lot for your valuable advise. But just to be on the safer side, I will start the anti rabies injection from the first dose. And I will religiously stick to the schedule. Just to reiterate, starting the schedule from the beginning is fine, correct? It won't affect the production of antibody in their body. Also, when they were given the anti rabies vaccine, they got fever. Is it normal? One more thing. My son is 5 years old and my daughter will be 3 years old in February 2021. My son got his DPT 3 days ago. So, his Tetanus vaccine is covered. My daughter's vaccination is up to date and her last Tetanus was when she was 18 months. Doctor said that she doesn't need Tetanus. Is it fine?