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Rabies re exposure
I complete rabies course of dog scratch 4dose (day28)id on 21 nov 2025. I never take immunoglobulin. Then a dog scratch with little blood 20 jan 2026 doctor give me 4 dose without rig ..after 27 jan (3rd dose)today dog scratch happen .. is its a right not to take immunoglobulin? ... my last dose on 17feb ..
Answers (22)
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Yes — it is correct NOT to take Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) in your situation.
Why:
• You completed a full rabies vaccination course on 21 Nov 2025
• You were re-exposed on 20 Jan 2026, which is within 3 months
• In previously vaccinated persons, RIG is never indicated, even if:
• There is blood
• There are multiple scratches/bites
• Re-exposure happens during an ongoing booster course
RIG is given only once in a lifetime, and only to people who have NEVER been vaccinated before.
So skipping RIG in all three incidents is medically correct and guideline-based.
Next Steps
1. Continue the vaccine schedule already advised
• Do NOT restart
• Do NOT add RIG
• Complete the remaining doses (last dose on 17 Feb) as planned
2. Proper wound care is critical
• Wash scratches immediately with soap + running water for 15 minutes
• Apply povidone-iodine if available
3. No extra vaccines needed for scratches occurring:
• During an ongoing course
• Within months of a completed course
Health Tips
• Rabies virus does not overwhelm vaccine-induced immunity
• Multiple scratches ≠ higher risk once vaccinated
• Anxiety often mimics rabies symptoms — trust immunology, not internet stories
• Focus on dog avoidance and wound hygiene going forward
You are fully protected, and the treatment you’re receiving is correct and safe.
If you want absolute clarity and peace of mind, I strongly recommend booking an online consultation with me — I’ll review your exact dates, doses, and exposures and confirm everything step-by-step so you can stop worrying and complete the course confidently.
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Get your current dose fully.
Immunoglobulin only required for dirty , severely affected wounds .
In your condition it is not required. Just complete your current dose.
Also If you are the one who gets bitten by a dog - here's a tip for you . Clean the wound under running tap water. For 4-5 mins.
You can stop the bleeding with a clean cloth or a gauze. And report to a nearby hospital .
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Booster required ,if you anxious.
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For an individual having completed a whole schedule of ARV, there is no indication for Immunoglobulin. There is only provision for booster doses of ARV, which you seem to have taken.
Next Steps
I would advice you to take care not to have further exposures , as it is evident that there has been multiple animal exposures in the past few months. Also ensure that any pet animal you may come in frequent contact with, should be vaccinated from time to time.
Health Tips
Always wash any wound thoroughly with plenty of soap and running water for atleast ten minutes, as first aid.
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Don't worry dear .You are already immunized with vaccination previously.Right now ,no need to take immunoglobulin as you are vaccinated .
Next Steps
just complete your vaccination scheduled doses.
Health Tips
If you are having pet dog ,complete its rabies vaccination.
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Immunoglobulin is required if wound is near neck, face. First grade
Or deep wound rig is given in wound
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There is no need to take IG
Next Steps
Clean the wound in a runny warer
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Since you have been vaccinated before and taking vaccine now, immune globulin is not necessary.
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Clean the wound with Soapy Running water or disinfectant and keep track of the Dog if he survives post 10 days it’s not rabies
You were just scratched not bit as you mentioned and there is no deep tissue break with blood spillage so No Need for IVIG
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Since you have vaccinated already in November, you fall into the previously immunized category . You now need only 2 booster dose that is day 0 and day 3 and rabies immunoglobulin is not required because it is generally required in category 3 wound which is deep puncture wound. There is no need to repeat the full dose
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No you don't need immunoglobulins as by the history you have shared it seems like a grade 1 bite
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No there's no need for an immunoglobulin if there isn't a wound that is muscle deep. U weren't supposed to be having a rabies course again if u completed one in November as it provides protection for a year, at least six months to being very precious.
Next Steps
don't have any other doses or course you are very well protected
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Yes it's ok as per the description given by you. Needs other medically corelated things to discuss to arrive at final conclusion.
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Dr. Rohit Bakshi
General Physician
11 yrs exp
Jammu
Now you already have antibodies so you don’t require IMGs or vaccine shots at this point.
Next Steps
Don’t over vaccinate
Health Tips
Consult doctor if still you have questions
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Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
Need few more details for further evaluation. Kindly consult
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Required booster dose
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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. 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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Dr. Shaikh Huzaif
General Physician
20 yrs exp
Mumbai
Please consult
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Needs to be evalauted
Do consult
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Dr. Nimmi Mulwani
General Physician
10 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
No need for Ig.
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Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Need some more details kindly consult
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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.