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Consultation For Rabies Vaccination
Hi doctor,
I have taken the rabies vaccine from a government PHC near me because i got a small scratch from a cat's nail. I took 4 doses as prescribed by the PHC. My last dose was on 02/09/2026 (2nd September 2026)
But I'm not satisfied with the government Rabies Vaccine at PHC because the PHC near me does not follow proper protocol and vaccine storage system.
Now I'm thinking about restarting my Rabies Vaccination from the private sector just to be extra safe because I am not able to trust the PHC rabies vaccine because of their protocol issue.
Now if i start the Private Vaccination Series of Rabies (total 5 doses) will i have any serious side effects or problems?
I'm thinking about starting my New Rabies Vaccination from the private sector after one week that is from 09/09/2026 (9 September 2026)
Kindly please guide me properly. I'll be very thankful to you doctor.
Answers (53)
There's no need to repeat,
Don't worry about that' & don't overthink.
Keep the vaccination records.
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Not at all required for any repetition of ARV doses. Can you comment which Category of dog bite it was?
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No need to take again the full vaccination doses but you can opt two arv doses as of now you just completed the full doses in phc
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Two doses of ARV at private /Government hospital as per protoccol
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I would not restart the rabies vaccine series solely because it was taken at a government PHC. If all 4 doses were given on schedule with a valid vaccine, they are generally protective; repeating 5 doses is unnecessary and may cause local reactions. Keep the vaccination record and confirm the schedule with a doctor if any dose date or product is uncertain. I can review the dates and wound details through a consultation if needed.
Next Steps
Do not start another series now. Keep the vaccination record; arrange an in-person review if any dose was delayed or the wound was deep/high-risk.
Health Tips
Seek prompt care if the wound becomes red, swollen, painful, or starts discharging.
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There is no need to repeat vaccine.
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No need to take it again.
If you want can check for antibody titre.
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No need to repeat
Relax and don't overthink
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If the 4 doses were genuine, appropriately administered rabies vaccine and were given according to the prescribed schedule, repeating a complete course after only one week is generally unnecessary.
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There is no need for further evaluation
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There is no need of repeating the vaccination
You can consult if you’re not satisfied
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Their is no need to repeat vaccine
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No need to repeat vaccination..In a government or private set up all the vaccines are same
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Just relax
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There's No need of repeat rabies vaccination if got 4 dose of ARV already
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There is absolutely no need to repeat the vaccination.
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Not required
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consult
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No need to repeat the vaccination
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Not at all required, Unnecessary waste of time and money
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I understand the anxiety, but here is why restarting is not recommended:
*1. Govt PHC vaccine = same as private vaccine*
PHC uses *Abhayrab / Vaxirab-N / Rabivax-S* - same WHO prequalified vaccine as private hospitals. It is stored in Ice Lined Refrigerator (ILR) with daily temperature log and Vaccine Vial Monitor (VVM) on vial. Efficacy is same. A PHC may look less fancy, but cold chain is actually monitored very strictly by NCDC program.
*2. You have already completed protection*
Standard 4-dose Essen IM regimen is Day 0, 3, 7, 14-28. You took all 4 doses on time. Antibodies start coming from Day 7-14 and you are protected by now. WHO/ MoHFW guidelines say - *if one course of PEP is completed properly, do not restart*, even if you change hospital.
Restarting a full new 4-dose course just after completing one is not extra safe - it just gives extra doses which are not needed, can cause more pain, swelling, fever, and extra cost.
*3. What can you do if you are still anxious?*
- Don't restart full course. If you are extremely worried, discuss with a doctor about taking *a single additional booster dose* on Day 28 from first dose. This is sometimes done for peace of mind and is allowed, but a full 4-dose restart is not per guideline.
- You can also check *Rabies antibody titre (RFFIT)* after 2 weeks of last dose if you really want lab confirmation. >0.5 IU/ml = protective.
- Keep observing the cat for 10 days if it is a pet/stray you can see. If cat stays healthy for 10 days, that itself is reassuring.
*4. When would a restart be needed?*
Only if there was a major protocol break - like doses were missed by many days, vaccine was expired, VVM showed damage, or injection given in buttock instead of deltoid. Just doubting the PHC storage is not a reason.
You did the right thing by taking vaccine on time. Cat scratch - even small - is Category II/III and vaccine is indicated, which you took.
*My advice:* Trust your completed course. Don't take another full course in private.
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Hello
Make sure you have washed the wound with clean running water .As per the history given, mostly it would be category 2.
Already you have received 4 doses of vaccination.No need to repeat vaccination again.
Next Steps
Don't be anxious
Reassurance
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No
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You certainly do not need a new ARV series
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As you have already completed it there is no need to take another
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If you would like to discuss your concern in more detail, please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine. Alternatively, you can connect with me through the Practo app for a detailed consultation
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No need for repeat vaccination at this stage
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Not required any more dose
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Not Required.
Government ARV 4 Doses are sufficient.
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You do not have to repeat the vaccination.
The vaccination you got will work.
Don't be anxious
Health Tips
stay calm.
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No need to be anxious. Govt. Setup do follow proper protocol and vaccination schedule.
Next Steps
Do consult for more detailed analysis on your existing vaccination schedule
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Not required.
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There is no need to get revaccinated government setup provide good vaccination.
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CONSULT ASAP
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No need to repeat
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No need for repeating vaccination.
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No need to be anxious, Govt centers have well trained staff.
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This problem usually arises among adults,when they are anxious.U are also telling that it's a small scratch,so it may be category 2 wound.So don't need to panic as ur are already immunised
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So no need to worry.
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As for World Health Organisation ( WHO ) recommendations thay Rabies vaccination should not be taken within 3 month of previous complete schedule vaccination..
So is it not advisable to take again Rabies Vaccination
Do not worry you ----go to the PHC check the
Protocol how PHC monitoring and maintaining the temperature of Rabies vaccine.........
At PHC level Rabies Vaccine must be strictly
Maintained a temperature within range of
( 2 TO 8 Celsius) or (36 to 46 F)......
If temperature is Maintained within the range at PHC vaccine is safe and effective...
Contact if further clarification needed
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LISTEN ONLY U R NOT SATISFIED U WANT PVT HOSPITAL.
BUT U GET IMMUNITY ALREADY NO NEED OF SECOND COURSE.
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I will guide you with this.
Actually you need not take full 5 doses of vaccine now.
Your regime will be continued from where you left.
You can contact me whenever you want
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kindly do connect and consult with me for better treatment plan and advice on your case via PRACTO app
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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
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Dr. Praful Mahamuni
General Practitioner
20 yrs exp
Nagpur
Hello,
Take Balanced diet.
For diet details and ePrescription consult by practo app or contact me at WhatsApp at +91959508739nine.
In future if consultations are required than consult by practo app or contact me at WhatsApp at +91959508739nine.
Thanks.
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Walk
Do connect and consult
Will help you
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Dr. Venkataramana Kalluri
General Physician
11 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Not required
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Dr. Arif kamaal
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Hyderabad
There is no need for further vaccination
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Dr. Reesha Varshney
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Hathras
No need to repeat the schedule
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Ms. Prerna Singh
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Delhi
There is no need of revaccination
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Abhishek Gowda
Internal Medicine
4 yrs exp
Bangalore Rural
Not recommended if u have take 4 shots of vaccine already
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Dr. Shanya Sagar
General Practitioner
1 yrs exp
Delhi
Hello
There’s no need to repeat the dosage because 4 doses of ARV would have provided you necessary protection
Next Steps
Relax yourself and don’t worry
Health Tips
I hope you had washed the wound properly and taken all the doses at correct time
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Dr. Bachu Vikas
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Kavali
No need to take anything extra.You had completed your vaccination. Taking extra doses will not give you extra protection.
Keep the dosage card safe.
You should consult doctor only when it is not healing,signs of infection,fever more than 3 days
Next Steps
reassure
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Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Do consult
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Practitioner
7 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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