I took 5 doses of rabies vaccination in Jan, and recently I took two doses of vaccination in 15th September 2025. Now I have been bitten by a stray dog today 20th November 2025,little bit of bleeding. Do i again need to take two booster doses?
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Short answer: Yes — you still need 2 booster doses (Day 0 and Day 3).
Here’s why:
✅ Your Vaccination History
Full 5-dose PEP in January 2025
Two-dose booster on 15 September 2025
New dog bite on 20 November 2025 (with bleeding → Category III exposure)
📌 What WHO and Indian NRCP Guidelines Say
If a person previously completed full PEP (anytime in the past), then for any future exposure, they need only 2 booster doses:
Day 0 (today)
Day 3
This applies no matter how many times you got vaccinated earlier, because antibody levels slowly fall and a booster is always required after a fresh exposure.
🩸 Do you need Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)?
No, since you completed a previous full course and boosters.
RIG is not required for previously vaccinated persons.
✔️ Wound Care is Very Important
Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and running water for 15 minutes
Apply povidone iodine/betadine if available
Avoid covering tightly
Get the Day 0 booster today itself.
Final Recommendation
👉 Take rabies booster doses on:
Day 0 – 20 November 2025
Day 3 – 23 November 2025
No need for additional doses.
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If you have taken complete post exposure prophylaxis on first bite then:
1) if next bite occurred within 3 months, there is no need to any vaccine only wound management should be done.
2)if next bite occurred after 3 months then re-exposure prophylaxis is given on day 0 and day 3.
Never repeat rabies immunoglobulin
Health Tips
always wash animal bite wound with soap and running water for atleast 10 mins
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.
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.
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