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Rabies reexposure please help
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 (5)
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complete vaccine series or booster is not required if a re-exposure happens within 3 months of a fully completed post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) course. Your body currently maintains highly active protective antibody levels since you just completed your full intradermal course. Wash the toe thoroughly under running water with soap for at least 15 minutes to eliminate any remaining saliva. Avoid applying household irritants or tightly bandaging the cracked skin area.
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Dont worry on the same day you get in contact means then nothing to worry no need to get again rabies vaccine
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If you have completed and if it is documented that the full course of rabies vaccine schedule you need not take the vaccine again. Whenever there is a reexposure within 3 months thorough wound washing with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
After washing, an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine can be applied if available.
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Hii
Re exposure within 3 months of vaccination does not need repeat vaccination. You need to only wound washing under running water for 15 min. If you get exposed after 3 months of vaccination then you need only two doses (0,3) not the complete schedule.
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Dr. Jay Gajjar
Pediatrician
6 yrs exp
Surat
The exposure you described—stepping on cat saliva present on the floor—is generally not considered a rabies exposure, even if you had a small crack on the toe. Rabies transmission requires fresh saliva from a potentially rabid animal to directly contact broken skin or mucous membranes; environmental/indirect contact is not considered an exposure.
Moreover, you completed your rabies vaccination course on 11 August. You do not need to repeat the complete vaccine course or take rabies immunoglobulin for this incident.
Wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water. If there was actually direct licking of the broken skin, a bite, or a scratch by the cat, then it is required.
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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.