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Rabies vaccination
My mother is currently completed her 2nd of vaccine for dog bite yesterday and going through series of vaccination and yesterday again my dog scratched her on her hand the wound didn't bleed but there is a skin cut like a line. So does she need again vaccine or she can continue the normal series of vaccination?
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Since your mother is already taking Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) post-exposure series, and she has received the 2nd dose, here is what you should know:
1️⃣ About this new scratch
It is a skin cut (Category II exposure) even if no bleeding happened.
Category II = minor scratches/abrasions without bleeding.
2️⃣ Does she need to restart vaccination?
👉 No, she does NOT need to restart the full vaccine course.
👉 She should continue the ongoing schedule normally.
Since she is already under PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis), her body is already developing immunity.
3️⃣ Does she need Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)?
RIG is only required once at the beginning (Day 0) for Category III exposure.
It is not given after 7 days of starting vaccine.
So in this case, no RIG is needed again.
4️⃣ What to do now?
✔ Immediately wash the scratch with soap and running water for 15 minutes
✔ Apply Betadine (povidone iodine)
✔ Continue scheduled vaccine doses (Day 3, 7, 14, 28 as advised)
⚠ Important Questions:
Is your dog vaccinated regularly?
Is the dog healthy and under observation?
If the dog is vaccinated and healthy, the risk is extremely low.
💡 In short:
She should continue the same vaccination schedule. No restart needed.
If you want, tell me:
Which day dose she has completed (Day 0, Day 3?)
Whether the dog is vaccinated?
I’ll guide you more specifically.
Answered
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Don’t worry since you are already taking the rabies vaccine and have completed 2 doses, you do not need to restart the course.
Because the scratch caused a small cut (even if it didn’t bleed), it is considered a minor exposure, but since you are already under vaccination, you just need to continue the remaining doses as per schedule. No extra injection is required.
Next Steps
Right now, just do proper wound care:
1. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10–15 minutes.
2. Apply povidone iodine (Betadine).
3. Don’t apply turmeric, oil, or any home remedies.
Health Tips
If the dog is your pet, just observe it for 10 days. If the dog remains healthy, the risk is extremely low.
You can eat normally, bathe normally, and continue daily activities. Just complete the full vaccine schedule properly.
Everything is under control 👍
Answered
1/1 people found this helpful
she is already taking the rabies vaccine series, she can continue the same schedule.
For this scratch, wash well with soap and water for 10–15 minutes and apply antiseptic. No need to restart vaccines.
Please consult me for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Answered
1/1 people found this helpful
Your mother:
• Is already undergoing rabies post-exposure vaccination (PEP)
• Completed 2 doses (Day 0 & Day 3 likely)
• Yesterday got a minor scratch
• No bleeding
• Superficial linear skin cut
Important Points:
1️⃣ Since she is already in the middle of a rabies vaccination series,
Next Steps
✔ 1. Immediate Wound Care
Very important:
• Wash with soap and running water for 15 minutes
• Apply povidone iodine
Even if no bleeding.
⸻
✔ 2. Continue Original Vaccine Schedule
Do NOT restart.
Do NOT add extra dose unless doctor specifically advises.
⸻
✔ 3. Observe the Dog
If pet:
• Healthy
• Vaccinated
• No abnormal behavior
Risk becomes extremely low.
Health Tips
✔ Never interrupt vaccine schedule
✔ Do not restart series unnecessarily
✔ Always clean wounds thoroughly
✔ Get your dog vaccinated immediately if not already
✔ Avoid rough play during vaccination period
Since rabies exposure decisions depend on exact timing (Day 0 date, RIG status, and wound type), if you tell me:
• When was her first vaccine dose?
• Did she receive RIG?
• Is the dog vaccinated and healthy?
I can give you a precise, category-based recommendation.
For complete safety and to avoid over- or under-treatment, you may consider a short online consultation so we can review the exact timeline and ensure she is fully protected.
Answered
1/1 people found this helpful
If your mother is already taking the rabies vaccine course and got a minor scratch without bleeding, she does NOT need to restart the vaccine.
She should simply:
• Wash the area with soap and running water for 10–15 minutes
• Apply antiseptic (Betadine)
• Continue the remaining scheduled vaccine doses normally
The ongoing vaccine already provides protection, so restarting is not required.
Only if there was deep wound, bleeding, or saliva exposure into wound, doctor may consider additional treatment (like RIG), but in your case it is not needed.
text me anytime if you need further guidance.
Answered
1/1 people found this helpful
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