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Do i again need rabies vaccine?
I took 5 doses of Abhayrab vaccine from April to may in 2025 and Two booster doses on 9th and 12th Of December. Again today 17th Jan 2026, I got bitten by a stray dog , I didn't see any bleeding but after 5 hrs I could feel the pain on my leg so i washed the wound with life buoy for 15 mins. Do i again need to have the rabies vaccine if yes how many??
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Need vaccination.consult nearby hospital
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2 doses IM on days 0 and 3
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I totally understand your concern. Before suggesting treatment, I would like to ask a few questions to ensure the correct management can be provided.
Contact me on Practo or WhatsApp chat.
92469306sevenfour
Dr. Harichandana,
MBBS, MD (General medicine)
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Not needed.
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Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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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 free discussion
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You are very well protected against rabies because you received a full primary series (5 doses of Abhayrab from April to May 2025) + two booster doses on December 9 and 12, 2025 — this counts as previously fully vaccinated under WHO, CDC, and Abhayrab vaccine guidelines. Your last booster was only about 5-6 weeks ago (very recent), so your immunity is strong.
Today’s stray dog bite with no visible bleeding but later pain (after 5 hours) is likely a Category II exposure (minor bite/scratch/nibbling without bleeding, or possible skin breach causing pain). You did the right first step by washing the wound thoroughly with soap (Lifebuoy) for 15 minutes — this greatly reduces any risk.
For previously vaccinated people like you, no full PEP course is needed, and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is not required (it could even interfere with your strong immune response). You only need 2 booster doses of rabies vaccine (on day 0 = today, and day 3).
Next Steps
• Yes, you need additional rabies vaccine boosters — but only 2 doses (not a full series):
• Day 0 (today, as soon as possible): Get 1 dose of Abhayrab (or equivalent modern rabies vaccine).
• Day 3 (in 3 days from today): Get the second booster dose.
• Go to a doctor, clinic, or hospital immediately (today if possible) for:
• Wound assessment (they may clean it again and check for any hidden skin break).
• The first booster dose.
• Tetanus shot if needed (if your last was >5-10 years ago).
• Advice on antibiotics if the wound looks infected (red, swollen, pus).
• No need for more than 2 boosters — your recent vaccination makes extra doses unnecessary (and safe if given, but not required).
• If the doctor insists on more doses (some places follow older local protocols), it’s okay (vaccine is very safe), but standard guidelines say 2 is enough.
Health Tips
• Continue monitoring the wound: Keep it clean/dry, watch for increasing redness, swelling, pus, fever — if any, see doctor right away (infection, not rabies).
• Avoid touching/scratching the area; report the stray dog to local authorities if possible (for observation).
• Stay calm — with your strong vaccination history + prompt washing + boosters, the risk is extremely low (almost zero). Rabies is preventable with what you’re doing.
• Don’t google too much — it increases anxiety; focus on getting the 2 boosters done.
For extra reassurance or if the doctor says something different, please consult with me online — I can help explain or guide what to discuss.
You’re doing everything right — stay safe and you’ll be fine!
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
No need of vaccination
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Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
Need few more details for further evaluation. Kindly consult
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Not recquired
Take booster
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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.