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Is Vaccination Required After A Dog Licking An Open Wound?
Question: I was previously vaccinated for a scratch by dog and I took full course of VAXIRAB N (post prophylaxis). The last dose i.e on 28th day, completed just a week ago. Now I'm again licked by a dog on broken skin so can I take the vaccine again? since I was vaccinated only 7 days back is it risky to take vaccine again? DOES THIS NEW VACCINATION CAN AFFECT MY PREVIOUS VACCINATION? Please suggest me booster dosages in future with VAXIRAB N..
Brief Answer:
There is no need for additional vaccination right now
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Since the last dose of vaccination course was given 7 days back, supposing you had the 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 day immunization schedule, you are completely protected from rabies.
2. There is no requirement for you to take another vaccination so quickly although the dog has licked over broken skin.
3. The new vaccination will not affect the previous vaccination but as per guidelines there is no need to take repeat vaccination for licking on broken skin which took place 7 days after last vaccination.
4. There is no need to take booster dose if there is no dog bite incident.
5. If there is any dog bite after more than one month from last dose then please consult doctor and inform about your earlier vaccination that was completed 7 days back and they will decide whether to give 2 dose booster on days 0 and 3. This is given only if required.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
There is no need for additional vaccination right now
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Since the last dose of vaccination course was given 7 days back, supposing you had the 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 day immunization schedule, you are completely protected from rabies.
2. There is no requirement for you to take another vaccination so quickly although the dog has licked over broken skin.
3. The new vaccination will not affect the previous vaccination but as per guidelines there is no need to take repeat vaccination for licking on broken skin which took place 7 days after last vaccination.
4. There is no need to take booster dose if there is no dog bite incident.
5. If there is any dog bite after more than one month from last dose then please consult doctor and inform about your earlier vaccination that was completed 7 days back and they will decide whether to give 2 dose booster on days 0 and 3. This is given only if required.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you doctor for your kind reply. Sorry, I forgot to mention the days precisely. My last vaccination completed on 31st May, 15 and the dog licked my mouth lining(broken skin) on 8th XXXXXXX so it's 8 days. It was a stray dog. Please tell me now do I need vaccination again?
Brief Answer:
I confirm that you do not require any more vaccination
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. I have noted the dates of vaccination and when the dog licked you again.
2. There is no need to get afraid. You are protected from the previous vaccination.
3. The vaccination builds generates antibodies to rabies and the previous vaccination is still working in this regard. If you take another vaccination right now then it will not be of much help because antibodies are already there within you from last vaccination. Only if is was more than a month from last vaccination and there was a severe bite then booster was probably required.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
I confirm that you do not require any more vaccination
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. I have noted the dates of vaccination and when the dog licked you again.
2. There is no need to get afraid. You are protected from the previous vaccination.
3. The vaccination builds generates antibodies to rabies and the previous vaccination is still working in this regard. If you take another vaccination right now then it will not be of much help because antibodies are already there within you from last vaccination. Only if is was more than a month from last vaccination and there was a severe bite then booster was probably required.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you again doctor..I understand re-vaccination doesn't affect the previous vaccination..if I want to take booster dose in future, what should be my schedule for vaxirab n?
and I took a TT injection after the last dose too
and I took a TT injection after the last dose too
Brief Answer:
Booster required if dog bite happens after a month from last vaccination
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in with an update.
1. Booster dose is required only if there is another dog bite after one month. If no risk is there then booster dose is not needed. TT injection is against tetanus.
2. In case you get a dog bite after a month from last vaccination then you can take booster dose on day 0 and 3.
3. If dog bite happens after one year then you have to take complete vaccination schedule which you had last time.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Booster required if dog bite happens after a month from last vaccination
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in with an update.
1. Booster dose is required only if there is another dog bite after one month. If no risk is there then booster dose is not needed. TT injection is against tetanus.
2. In case you get a dog bite after a month from last vaccination then you can take booster dose on day 0 and 3.
3. If dog bite happens after one year then you have to take complete vaccination schedule which you had last time.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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