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Rabies re exposure
I took 4 intradermal rabies shot for a cat scratch (last dose =21 nov 2025) then my pet dog sctached me . doctor give me 4 id shot
Day0= 20 jan 2026
Day 3=23 jan
Day 7=27 jan
Day 28=17 feb
But today 12feb a stray dog give s minor bite very little blood comes .. but my ongoing 1 shot is left . I never take rig ..do i restart vaccine
Answers (12)
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Just complete your ongoing schedule and don't worry about it.
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Clean the wound with running tape water n soap three four times. Soak.it gentaly apply antiseptic.
U r under vaccine effect so don't worry n u don't need any separate vaccine.
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Let’s organize your timeline clearly:
• Nov 21, 2025 → Completed 4-dose intradermal (ID) rabies schedule ✔
• Jan 20, 2026 → New exposure → Doctor gave full 4-dose ID schedule again (Day 0, 3, 7, 28) ✔
• Feb 12, 2026 → Minor bite with slight bleeding
• Feb 17, 2026 → Your Day 28 dose still pending
Important fact:
You are already in the middle of a complete post-exposure schedule when this new bite occurred.
In rabies management:
If a new exposure happens while you are already on PEP,
Next Steps
✔ Complete your scheduled Day 28 dose on Feb 17
✔ No additional doses needed
✔ No RIG required
Just ensure:
• Wound was washed with soap and water for 15 minutes
• Apply povidone iodine
Monitor wound for local infection only (redness, swelling, pus).
No need for:
❌ Restarting 0-3-7-14-28
❌ Extra boosters
❌ Antibody test (unless immunocompromised)
Health Tips
Important reassurance:
• You completed full PEP in Nov
• You are currently completing another full PEP
• Immunity is very strong at this point
If rabies exposure occurs within months of full vaccination, protection is very high.
Rabies vaccine failure in someone who:
• Completed full schedule
• Is immunocompetent
• Took doses correctly
is extremely rare.
⸻
Do NOT restart vaccine.
Just complete your Feb 17 dose.
You are protected.
If anxiety about repeated exposures is continuing, it may help to discuss preventive strategies for animal contact safety, but medically your vaccination status is adequate.
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Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Since you are already taking the rabies vaccine and doses are ongoing, you usually do not need to restart the full course. Just complete the remaining scheduled dose.
Next Steps
Wash the wound well with soap and water and consult me for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Just complete your current vaccination, as per schedule.
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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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No need
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Dr. Kamal Kumar
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rewari
Dear Patient,
Since you are already on an ongoing intradermal rabies vaccine schedule (Day 0, 3, 7, 28) for a recent pet dog scratch and have not received RIG, here’s what you should know:
- A minor scratch from a stray dog during your ongoing vaccine schedule does not require restarting the vaccine.
- Thoroughly wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for 15 minutes and apply antiseptic.
- Monitor the wound for any signs of infection.
- If the stray dog is suspected to be rabid or shows abnormal behavior, inform your doctor immediately. In such cases, RIG may be considered if the exposure is severe.
Key points
- Continue your scheduled vaccine doses as planned.
- No need to restart unless there is a high-risk exposure with a confirmed or suspected rabid animal.
When to consult me urgently
- Wound becomes red, swollen, or painful
- Signs of infection (pus, fever)
- Any exposure to a confirmed rabid animal
For further guidance and personalized advice you may text me on Practo anytime.
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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. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Complete rabies vaccination
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Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Do consult
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