Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Anti rabies vaccine
I completed my 5th dose of Anti rabies vaccine on 9 april 2026.Yesterday night a rat bite me and it was bleeding.Do I need anti rabies vaccine again?
Answers (13)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed discussion
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+143
No need
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Don't worry. Rat bites are generally low risk for rabies, and since you have already completed a full anti-rabies vaccination course recently, you are well protected.
For now Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water Keep the area clean Apply an antibiotic ointment If there is increasing redness, swelling, or pain, or if you’re unsure about the wound, get it checked.
Overall, there is no need to panic you are safe 👍
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
No. Take tab doxycycline 200mg one daily for 7 days.
Clean the bite with soap, lukewarm water, apply some antibiotic ointment over it.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Wash the wound thoroughly with warm water and soap.
Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a serious, potentially fatal bacterial infection requiring prompt antibiotics.
Take tab doxycycline for 7–14 days.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
You can go for rig if wound is deep.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
You do not require the Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) again for this incident for two scientifically sound reasons. First, you just completed a full 5-dose course on 9th April 2026, meaning you are within the 90-day (3-month) peak immunity window where your antibody levels are at their highest. Second, and most importantly, global health organizations like the WHO and CDC do not consider rats or other small rodents to be a risk for Rabies transmission to humans. Your current protection is more than sufficient."
Next Steps
"1. Recent Vaccination: Since your last dose was less than 10 days ago, your immune system is fully primed. Even if this were a high-risk dog bite, you wouldn't need a booster right now.
2. Rodent Biology: Rats are not a reservoir for Rabies. There has never been a documented case of human Rabies transmitted via a rat bite.
3. The 90-Day Rule: Any re-exposure within 3 months of a completed course does not require additional shots, regardless of the animal involved."
Health Tips
Even though Rabies isn't a concern, rat bites are high-risk for bacterial infections:
Wound Management: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water for 15 minutes.
Tetanus Status: Since you were recently vaccinated for Rabies, check if you also received a Tetanus (TT) shot. If not, get one booster if your last TT was more than 5 years ago.
Antibiotics: Watch for signs of 'Rat Bite Fever' (fever, rash, joint pain). It is advisable to consult a doctor for a short 3-5 day course of oral antibiotics to prevent secondary infection.
No More Stress: You can relax completely regarding Rabies; there is no medical indication for further ARV doses."
Ifyou have more doubt your can coneect and consult
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
No need
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
You have completed your full anti-rabies vaccination very recently (on 9 April), so you are currently within the protected period of about 3 months. Also, bites from rats are not considered a risk for rabies transmission in usual situations.
So in your case, no anti-rabies vaccine is required again.
Next Steps
1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for 10–15 minutes
2. Apply an antiseptic (like povidone iodine)
3. Get a tetanus booster if not taken in the last 5 years
4. Monitor the wound for any signs of infection
Health Tips
-Rat bites more commonly cause bacterial infection, not rabies
-Watch for redness, swelling, pus, fever—if present, consult a doctor for antibiotics
-Keep the wound clean and avoid covering it too tightly
Overall, there is no need to worry about rabies in your situation. Focus on proper wound care and infection prevention.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
No..no need of vaccination
But need antibiotic and antiinflamatory because of bleeding was there and that cause infection
Consult for more details
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.