Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Cat Scratch while undergoing PEP Shots
I got a tiny cat Scratch from a pet kitten on 8 October 2026 , I got the first dose of ARV Ravipur on 8 october and a Tetanus Shot.
Again on the 11 October second dose of ARV Ravivax, Third dose of ARV on 15 October , and Fourth Dose of ARV on 22 October and next 5 th dose was scheduled for 5 th November.
Also note that the Cat completed its two doses of vaccine.
The new scratch got me torn and a red line in my pinky finger rif right hand ,
As a precautionary measure , I washed the area with soap for 10 minutes and then applied Dettol with cotton and gaon some antiseptic ointment ,
Now further what to do can you guide me please?
Shall I go to the clinic and consult the doctor ,
Will I need to take more extra shots again ?
Or am I fully protected ...
Answers (10)
If you would like to discuss your concern in more detail, please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp at eight six one nine six six nine nine zero six. Alternatively, you can connect with me through the Practo app for a detailed consultation
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
Hello,
I have reviewed your vaccination history and photograph. The finger appears to have a small superficial scratch without obvious significant swelling or discharge.
You have already received four anti-rabies vaccine doses on 8, 11, 15, and 22 October 2026.
A new scratch occurring during an ongoing rabies PEP course generally does not require restarting vaccination or taking additional booster doses.
Your ongoing vaccination provides developing immune protection.
The kitten's vaccination history is reassuring, although it does not completely eliminate the need for appropriate wound assessment.
Next Steps
Consult your anti-rabies clinic to document the new scratch and confirm your remaining vaccination schedule. Continue the prescribed PEP course. Do not restart the series or take extra doses independently. You have already washed the wound appropriately. Keep it clean with soap and water and avoid repeated application of concentrated antiseptics. If the scratch broke the skin, the clinician should assess its exposure category and review whether appropriate immunoglobulin was given when the original PEP course began. Rabies immunoglobulin is generally not administered beyond seven days after the first vaccine dose. Since you have already received tetanus vaccination, an additional tetanus dose is generally unnecessary for this incident.
Health Tips
My recommendation: Your ongoing vaccination course generally covers this new exposure, so extra rabies injections are usually unnecessary. However, confirm the final dose scheduled for 5 November with your vaccination centre, particularly because different intramuscular and intradermal schedules are used in India. The use of different vaccine brands is generally acceptable when necessary, provided they are approved modern cell-culture vaccines. Seek medical attention if the wound develops increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, fever, or worsening pain. With appropriate wound care and completion of the prescribed vaccination schedule, rabies prevention is highly effective. Wishing you good health!
Answered
Let others know if this answer was 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.