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Query regarding scratch by dog
On October 20, 2025, I accidentally stepped on a dog, but I was unsure if the dog's nail had scratched me, although I didn't see any injury marks. The next day, I went to the hospital and saw a doctor. The doctor checked briefly and said that no vaccination was necessary for this. One day passed, but I was very worried about the matter, so I went again on the night of the 23rd October. This time, the doctor present did not even ask to see any wound and simply said, 'Get the vaccine,' and advised me to take a Tetanus shot and a four-doses. Therefore, my vaccination process started on October 23rd.
I want to know: Will the vaccine still be effective even if it was started slightly later than the 72-hour mark?
And another thing I want to know that if there is any side effect for taking the vaccine in this situation ?
(Previously, I had taken a full four-dose course for a dog scratch in July 2023, and then two booster doses for a cat scratch in September 2023.)
Answers (19)
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In my opinion you don't need vaccine but it is better to take them to regret
The vaccine is ideally taken before 72 hrs mark but can be taken still and it will be effective
There are no side effects for the vaccine as you had taken it before so no allergies either
You completed full vaccination recently (within 3 months–3 years)
If you had a complete post-exposure vaccine series in the past 3 months to 3 years:
You do not need the full 5-dose course again.
Take only 2 booster doses of vaccine:
Day 0 (day of new bite)
Day 3
No RIG is needed this time.
Next Steps
Immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes.
Health Tips
Apply povidone-iodine (Betadine) if available.
Do not cover with tight bandage.
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I would give a very simple word of advice
Rabies is fatal with no treatment,
So it is always better to get the vaccination done as it has no side effects
Next Steps
if you still have some doubts , kindly consult on practo
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Hello i am dr yash goyal .follow up for consultation
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Hello,
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Take a glass of milk daily.
Thanks.
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a free detailed discussion
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You can consult me directly on Practo, or reach out via WhatsApp:
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Early consultation helps avoid complications — feel free to connect.
Only whatsapp message no calls
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In my opinion you don't need vaccination as there is no visible wound or even a scratch
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Need few more details
Kindly connect.
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Can help you with the next course of action and treatment plan. Kindly consult via whatsapp at nine zero two nine six zero zero four seven zero.
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There is nothing to worry. Just complete the course of vaccine.
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Hi there 👋
I’ve gone through your history carefully — and the good news is, you are completely safe and there’s no cause for panic in your situation. Let me break this down clearly for you 👇
1. Vaccine effectiveness (started after 72 hours)
Yes — the rabies vaccine is still effective even if started slightly beyond 72 hours.
The 72-hour mark is a recommended window to start PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) as early as possible, but not a cut-off after which the vaccine “stops working.”
What truly matters is that you’ve started the vaccine series and will complete all doses as advised (Day 0, 3, 7, and 14).
The immune response is still protective, especially since you have taken prior complete and booster courses (which means your body already has immune memory).
So, even if you began the current course on October 23rd — roughly 3 days after exposure — you’re still well within the effective period.
2. About taking vaccine “again” after previous courses
Since you had:
a full 4-dose course in July 2023, and
2 booster doses in September 2023,
you are already well protected.
According to WHO and national guidelines, if a person has taken a complete course within the past 3 years, and is re-exposed, they only need two booster doses (on Day 0 and Day 3), not the full 4-dose course again.
So, technically, you didn’t even need to repeat the full series — but taking it again is not harmful.
At most, you might get mild soreness, low-grade fever, or fatigue after the shots — that’s a normal immune response.
There are no long-term side effects or toxicity from repeating cell-culture rabies vaccines.
3. What you should do now
Complete your current vaccine schedule (don’t skip doses).
No need for rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), since there was no visible wound and you’ve been previously vaccinated.
Observe the dog for 10 days if possible — if it remains healthy, that’s further reassurance.
Maintain the same vaccine brand for consistency, if possible.
You can safely continue your regular activities, diet, and exercise.
Summary:
You are protected, your vaccine timing is fine, and there’s no medical risk from receiving extra doses.
What you’re feeling is more anxiety-driven worry than a clinical issue — something that’s very common after potential rabies exposures, especially when the situation was uncertain.
If you’d like, I can personally go through your previous vaccine records, confirm the correct dose schedule for this year, and advise if you can avoid unnecessary further injections.
You can message me directly on WhatsApp at nine three two six zero two zero five three six — I’ll review your vaccine card and dates, and give you a clear final plan within minutes.
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Take vaccine as precautionary
No side effects as such , dont worry about it
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Hi as you have mentioned about no visible scratches it means it has very low chance of infection still you took tt and 4 doses as precaution which is good and appreciated.... It will still be effective as there was no major injury.
Also there is no side effect in such case but if you are feeling anything unsual you can contact me personally through practo Or whatsApp- eight three six eight seven two eight one three seven
Health Tips
from next time onwards primary step is to clean the surface with soap and water thoroughly
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Dr. Sanghpriya Gautam
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Delhi
Connect please
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Anubha Singh
General Physician
4 yrs exp
Jhansi
If you require assistance or have any health concerns, feel free to reach out for a consultation. Your well-being is my priority, and i'm here to support you on your health journey.
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Dr. Manoj Kumar
General Physician
9 yrs exp
Dehradun
Need few more details
Kindly consult
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Do connect and consult
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