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Rabies exposure
I take 4 id vaccine on a dog scratch last dose was 28th aug 2025 then again 4 id vaccine for a bite but on (day3) the nurse incorrectly given in deeper muscle so i take 1 extra dose on (day 8) and complete the course(day28) on 23 nov 2025 but today stray dog scrath my leg with teeth what should i do.
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After complete schedule, vaccine is not needed for 6 months.
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Avoid fried and spicy food .water intake more
Do connect and consult
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Since you have completed a full rabies vaccination course, a new scratch with teeth from a stray dog usually does not require restarting the full course.
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You can consult me for confirmation, wound assessment, and exact scheduling of boosters.
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Based on the history you have provided, you are already adequately protected against rabies and there is no need to start a full vaccination course again. You have received multiple complete anti-rabies vaccination courses, with the most recent one completed on 23 November 2025. Even though one dose during that course was accidentally given deeper than intended, you correctly took an additional dose and completed the schedule, so your immunity is not compromised. Such administration errors do not cancel the protective effect once the full course is completed.
Regarding the current incident where a stray dog scratched your leg with its teeth, the first step is thorough wound washing with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. If there is a visible break in the skin or bleeding, then as a previously vaccinated person, you only need two booster doses of anti-rabies vaccine on day 0 and day 3. Rabies immunoglobulin is not required in someone who has already been vaccinated earlier. If there is no bleeding and no clear break in the skin, then no vaccine is required at all and reassurance is sufficient.
There is no role for repeating a full 4-dose or 5-dose vaccination course in this situation, and taking repeated unnecessary doses does not provide extra protection. You are already protected, and this situation is manageable and not dangerous. If you remain unsure whether the skin was broken, a doctor can examine the scratch and guide you appropriately.
Good luck!
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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 free detailed discussion*
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No need to take vaccination
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Nothing to do , no risk .no need to vaccination again .
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No need to take vaccine again
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Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
Needs proper history and evaluation. Kindly consult
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Dr. Gaurij Hood
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Valsad
No need for additional vaccine as you are adequately protected.
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
No need of Vaccine
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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. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Shaikh Huzaif
General Physician
20 yrs exp
Mumbai
Please consult
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Avoid contact with animals
One dose of complete vaccination gives protection for 6 months
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Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Hyderabad
No need
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