What Is The Effective Time Period Of An Anti Rabies Injection?

Posted on Mon, 1 Sep 2014

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

Mon, 1 Sep 2014 Answered on

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a rabies vaccine in 2010 when I was bitten by a stray dog. I was bitten by my sons gerbil about 6 days ago I let go of the gerbil and it got away outside, so we do not have it anymore. Do I need a new rabies shot? We got the gerbil from a pet store about three weeks ago he seemed fine.

Answered by Dr. Surendiran Gaj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Anti rabies vaccine shot is advised.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Nice to meet you here,

It is advisable to take the new rabies vaccination in this circumstances as Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) even though it has been 6 days already you can still administer it within 14 days of exposure.
So visit your nearby hospital and get vaccinated.

Hope this helped you,
Take care.
Regards,
Dr.surendiran gaj.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad