Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Cat bite. .
Hello Doctor,
Last Thursday a stray cat lightly scratched me. There was no bleeding, only a small red mark on the skin. The wound has now healed.
I have already taken Rabivax-S rabies vaccine on Day 0 and Day 3. The clinic gave the injections in the butt (hip) area.
For the remaining Day 7 and Day 14 doses, is it okay if they are given in the butt, or should they be given in the upper arm (deltoid) or thigh for proper protection?
Please advise. Thank you.
Answers (22)
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
Good Day
For rabies vaccination, the recommended site in adults is the deltoid muscle (upper arm). The gluteal region (buttock) is generally not preferred because vaccine absorption can be reduced due to fat tissue.
Since you have already taken Day 0 and Day 3 doses, it is advisable that the remaining doses (Day 7 and Day 14) be taken in the deltoid muscle for optimal protection.
Please continue and complete the full vaccination schedule.
Regards.
Answered
1/1 people found this helpful
Hello.
For rabies vaccination (post-exposure prophylaxis) in adults, the preferred site for intramuscular injection is the deltoid muscle (upper arm). The gluteal/buttock area is generally not recommended because absorption can be less reliable due to fatty tissue
.
Next steps:
For your remaining Day 7 and Day 14 doses, it would be better to take the vaccine in the deltoid (upper arm) for optimal effectiveness.
Since you have already taken Day 0 and Day 3, continue the remaining doses on schedule without delay.
Helpful tips:
• Complete the full vaccine schedule (Day 0, 3, 7, 14)
• Wash any animal scratch or bite immediately with soap and water for 10–15 minutes
• Monitor the wound for redness, swelling, or infection
If there is any doubt regarding the vaccination schedule or exposure risk, a proper clinical review may help ensure complete protection.
Answered
2/2 people found this helpful
For the Rabivax‑S (Rabies vaccine), the recommended intramuscular injection sites are the deltoid (upper arm) in adults or the anterolateral thigh. The gluteal/buttock region is generally not recommended because the presence of fat tissue there can reduce proper vaccine absorption and may lead to lower antibody response against Rabies.
Since your Day 0 and Day 3 injections were given in the buttock, it would be better for the remaining doses (Day 7 and Day 14) to be administered in the deltoid muscle to ensure optimal immune response.
Next Steps
• Continue the remaining Day 7 and Day 14 doses as scheduled.
• Request the clinic to administer them in the deltoid (upper arm) rather than the buttock.
• Because the scratch had no bleeding and only a superficial mark, the exposure risk is already low, but completing the vaccine schedule is the correct precaution.
• If you are unsure about the earlier injections, a doctor may sometimes advise repeating the dose in the correct site, but this depends on clinical judgment.
Health Tips
• For adults, deltoid injection is the preferred site for rabies vaccination.
• Always wash animal scratches or bites immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
• Avoid touching or feeding stray animals to reduce future exposure risk.
• Keep your vaccination dates documented to ensure the schedule is completed correctly.
If you’d like, you can book an online consultation and share a photo of the scratch and your vaccination record, so I can guide you precisely on whether any correction in the schedule is needed for full protection.
Answered
2/2 people found this helpful
Getting ARV on the day of scratch and then on 3,7,14 and 28 on shoulder or anterolateral thigh,intradermal is preferred route and getting intramuscular injection in immunocompromised person is advisable.taking injection in gluteal region are avoided as it give poor immune response.
So in your case you are on the correct path with small variations,my advice is you continue the vaccination prophylaxis and take the rest of the doses on your shoulder preferrably
Next Steps
Observe the cat atleast for 10 days,complete your vaccination
Health Tips
Since it is category 2,you dont need to be panick.❤️
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
A light scratch from a stray cat without bleeding is considered a Category II exposure. Taking the Rabivax-S vaccine on Day 0 and Day 3 is the correct post-exposure prophylaxis, so you are already on the right treatment.
For rabies vaccination, the recommended injection site is the deltoid muscle (upper arm) in adults. The gluteal/buttock region is not recommended because it may reduce vaccine effectiveness.For the remaining doses (Day 7 and Day 14), it is better to take them in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.
Next Steps
Complete the full vaccine schedule (Day 0, 3, 7, and 14) without missing doses.
Even though the wound has healed, always wash animal scratches with soap and running water for 10–15 minutes immediately in the future to reduce infection risk.
Health Tips
Contact me anytime for further consultation
Answered
2/2 people found this helpful
Articles you may like
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.