Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Anti rabies
I took 2 anti rabies vaccine for re exposure 1 week ago.A dog scratch me yesterday.what can I do now??
Answers (14)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
If you already took 2 booster doses of anti-rabies vaccine one week ago for a re-exposure, your body should already have an active immune response against rabies.
So, if a new scratch occurred yesterday, in most cases:
• You are still considered protected by the recent booster doses.
• No full vaccine course is required again if the scratch is minor and you were properly vaccinated recently.
However, the final decision depends on:
• Whether the scratch broke the skin
• Whether there was bleeding
• The type of dog (pet/stray)
• Whether the dog is healthy and can be observed
Next Steps
Do the following immediately:
Wound care (most important):
• Wash the area with soap and running water for 15 minutes.
• Apply povidone iodine or antiseptic.
Vaccination decision:
• If the scratch is superficial and no bleeding → usually no further vaccine needed because you had boosters 1 week ago.
• If the scratch caused bleeding → doctor may advise 2 more booster doses (Day 0 and Day 3) as precaution.
If the dog is:
• Healthy and can be observed for 10 days → lower risk.
• Stray or unknown → safer to consult a doctor for booster advice.
Health Tips
• After a proper booster course, protection usually lasts for at least 3 months.
• Repeated vaccination within short intervals is generally not required unless it was a severe exposure.
• Always focus on immediate wound washing, which reduces rabies risk significantly.
⸻
If you can share whether the scratch caused bleeding and whether the dog is pet or stray, I can give you a more precise recommendation—feel free to book an online consultation for a quick, personalized risk assessment.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+155
Booster dose needed.kindly consult nearby hosputal...
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
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
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Two booster dose u r under vaccine so nothing is required.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If it was 2 booster doses, nothing is needed.
If it was 2 doses of vaccination, complete the schedule.
Clean the scratch site very well.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Bleeding present or not?
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If you want to discuss your problems, pls text me on whatsapp on seven two seven eight nine two seven six three eight, i will guide you step by step.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If the scratch broke the skin or caused bleeding, it is considered a rabies exposure.
As a previously vaccinated person, you usually need 2 booster doses of anti-rabies vaccine--
Day 0 (as soon as possible after this scratch)and
Day 3.
If the scratch did not break the skin, no further vaccine is needed—just wound care and observation.please feel free to consult if you still anxious.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Amasa Prathyusha
General Practitioner
3 yrs exp
Madanapalle
Need not to take any vaccine further if it was only scratch and no blood at the site of wound
Health Tips
if blood is there you need to take 2 booster doses
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Navajit Hatibaruah
General Physician
30 yrs exp
Guwahati
If you have taken full pre exposure prophylaxis before then only 2 doses of ARV required on days 0 and 3
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Nazia Begum M.G
General Physician
15 yrs exp
Belgaum
Need not take any vaccine ,
Clean the wound
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you , kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
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.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
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.