You do NOT need an additional vaccine dose today â your existing course that started yesterday (Day 0) covers this new exposure as well. Simply continue with the scheduled vaccine dates your doctor gave you (typically Day 3, Day 7, Day 14, and Day 28). Starting a new parallel course is not needed or recommended. However, there is one critical thing to check: since today's bite bled and was from a stray animal (Category III exposure), Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) should ideally have been given at your Day 0 appointment yesterday. If it was not given, please contact your doctor urgently today to receive it â RIG can only be administered within 7 days of the first vaccine dose and is important protection for bleeding bites.
Next Steps
Wash today's bite wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and apply antiseptic. Then call your doctor to confirm whether RIG was given yesterday â if not, go in today to receive it. Continue your scheduled vaccine course as planned. Please consult me directly on Practo for a detailed evaluation.