Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Rabies reexposed on last vaccine
Hello Doctor,
I completed my full intradermal rabies vaccine course on 11th aug 2026. ( 0,3,7,28). I also previously took full course few months before.
But after completion of last rabies vaccine dose which was in 11th aug 2026, I reexposed again on the same day; like i stepped in a cat saliva which was wet and it was on my house floor. I had a crack on my leg toe big finger.
Should i take complete vaccine again ? Or booster or what step should i take?
Please answer. I am in tensed.
Answers (16)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
I am Dr Shamoon. Your situation is actually reassuring. You completed a full intradermal rabies course a few months earlier and have now completed a second full course (0-3-7-28) ending 11 Aug 2026. The cat saliva contact happened on the very day of your last dose, when your antibody level was at its peak. Contact of saliva with an old crack on the leg or finger, with no fresh bite, no scratch drawing blood and no bleeding, is a low risk exposure. In someone already fully immunised and within the immune window, no fresh full course is needed. Even for a genuine re-exposure in a previously vaccinated person, the standard is only two booster doses on day 0 and day 3, never a repeat of the whole schedule and never rabies immunoglobulin. Since your contact coincided with the last dose of an ongoing course, you are considered already protected. Your anxiety is understandable, but medically your immunity is intact.
Next Steps
1. Do not restart the full rabies course - it is not indicated and adds no benefit. 2. If you want maximum reassurance for this low risk contact, the only accepted option is 2 booster doses (day 0 and day 3); no immunoglobulin is needed in a previously vaccinated person. 3. For any fresh wound or crack, wash immediately with running water and soap for 15 minutes and apply povidone iodine - this alone removes most virus. 4. Watch the crack on your leg/finger for redness, swelling, pus or pain, which would suggest bacterial infection from cat saliva and needs antibiotics. 5. Record the date of your last dose; a future exposure within 3 months needs nothing, beyond that only 2 boosters. 6. Manage the anxiety - regular sleep, breathing exercises, and stop reading rabies forums, they increase fear without adding facts. 7. You may book a Practo online consult with me to go through your exact vaccination dates and exposure details, or meet me at Synergy Multispeciality Hospital, Miraj, for an in-person review and written documentation of your immunisation status.
Health Tips
Caution: seek care the same day if you ever get a fresh bite or bleeding scratch, or if the wound area becomes red, swollen or discharges pus. Never take rabies immunoglobulin after a complete vaccination course - it is unnecessary. This advice is based on the history you have given; a proper assessment of the exposure category needs direct consultation.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this 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.
+103
kindly do connect and consult with me for better treatment plan and advice on your case via PRACTO app
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
U r under vaccine effect
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
According your statement you have completed your Rabies vaccination schedule on
11th August 2026..
As per World Health Organisation (WHO) Guide line NO Rabies vaccination required withing
3 Month ( 90 says) of previous Rabies vaccination...
Precaution..
Scratch, Cut mark , Breach of skin. Blood oozing
From bite of cat / Dog
Immediately wash the wound with running tap water..for 5 to 10 minutes
Wash with Betadine liquid
Do not bandage / cover the wound..
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
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
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Nothing needed.
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Not required.
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Booster is enough
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Size photo of the cut.. and was the cut healed?
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If there is only contact with saliva and no bite lick and bleeding
Then no need of Extra vaccinations.
Next Steps
Reassurance
Health Tips
Avoid Anxiety
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
No need .you are covered upto next 3 months.
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Mr. Rohan Gumber
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Sri Ganganagar
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
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
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
Need few more details for further evaluation. Please consult
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Do connect and consult
Will help you
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Practitioner
7 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this 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.