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Rabies vaccination
My mother is currently completed her 2nd of vaccine for dog bite yesterday and going through series of vaccination and yesterday again my dog scratched her on her hand the wound didn't bleed but there is a skin cut like a line. So does she need again vaccine or she can continue the normal series of vaccination?
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Hi gud noon,
U can continue with the current series of vaccination, no need to start again
Takecare
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Keep the site clean and continue vaccine as per recommended schedule.
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Continue series
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She doesn't need any new vaccine, rather continue with the ARV vaccine series schedule
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Continue the vaccination series
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continue vaccination
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Simply wash the affected area for a while put some antiseptic ointment and she is good to go.
Vaccinations will be continuing as usual only nothing to be worry about.
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed free discussion
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She can continue her vaccine as scheduled. Just clean the skin cut thoroughly with some antiseptic solution.
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As your mother was already vaccinated she is under vaccine effect. So no need of vaccine for now.
Relax. She is safe.
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As per National Immunization Schedule (India) / National Rabies Control Programme guidelines:
If a person is already receiving Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and gets another minor scratch (no bleeding) during the ongoing vaccine schedule:
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Since your mother is already taking Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) post-exposure series, and she has received the 2nd dose, here is what you should know:
1️⃣ About this new scratch
It is a skin cut (Category II exposure) even if no bleeding happened.
Category II = minor scratches/abrasions without bleeding.
2️⃣ Does she need to restart vaccination?
👉 No, she does NOT need to restart the full vaccine course.
👉 She should continue the ongoing schedule normally.
Since she is already under PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis), her body is already developing immunity.
3️⃣ Does she need Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)?
RIG is only required once at the beginning (Day 0) for Category III exposure.
It is not given after 7 days of starting vaccine.
So in this case, no RIG is needed again.
4️⃣ What to do now?
✔ Immediately wash the scratch with soap and running water for 15 minutes
✔ Apply Betadine (povidone iodine)
✔ Continue scheduled vaccine doses (Day 3, 7, 14, 28 as advised)
⚠ Important Questions:
Is your dog vaccinated regularly?
Is the dog healthy and under observation?
If the dog is vaccinated and healthy, the risk is extremely low.
💡 In short:
She should continue the same vaccination schedule. No restart needed.
If you want, tell me:
Which day dose she has completed (Day 0, Day 3?)
Whether the dog is vaccinated?
I’ll guide you more specifically.
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Don’t worry since you are already taking the rabies vaccine and have completed 2 doses, you do not need to restart the course.
Because the scratch caused a small cut (even if it didn’t bleed), it is considered a minor exposure, but since you are already under vaccination, you just need to continue the remaining doses as per schedule. No extra injection is required.
Next Steps
Right now, just do proper wound care:
1. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10–15 minutes.
2. Apply povidone iodine (Betadine).
3. Don’t apply turmeric, oil, or any home remedies.
Health Tips
If the dog is your pet, just observe it for 10 days. If the dog remains healthy, the risk is extremely low.
You can eat normally, bathe normally, and continue daily activities. Just complete the full vaccine schedule properly.
Everything is under control 👍
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she is already taking the rabies vaccine series, she can continue the same schedule.
For this scratch, wash well with soap and water for 10–15 minutes and apply antiseptic. No need to restart vaccines.
Please consult me for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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No need to worry buddy.
Just continue and complete ongoing schedule
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No new vaccination needed
Complete the scheduled vaccination on time
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Your mother:
• Is already undergoing rabies post-exposure vaccination (PEP)
• Completed 2 doses (Day 0 & Day 3 likely)
• Yesterday got a minor scratch
• No bleeding
• Superficial linear skin cut
Important Points:
1️⃣ Since she is already in the middle of a rabies vaccination series,
Next Steps
✔ 1. Immediate Wound Care
Very important:
• Wash with soap and running water for 15 minutes
• Apply povidone iodine
Even if no bleeding.
⸻
✔ 2. Continue Original Vaccine Schedule
Do NOT restart.
Do NOT add extra dose unless doctor specifically advises.
⸻
✔ 3. Observe the Dog
If pet:
• Healthy
• Vaccinated
• No abnormal behavior
Risk becomes extremely low.
Health Tips
✔ Never interrupt vaccine schedule
✔ Do not restart series unnecessarily
✔ Always clean wounds thoroughly
✔ Get your dog vaccinated immediately if not already
✔ Avoid rough play during vaccination period
Since rabies exposure decisions depend on exact timing (Day 0 date, RIG status, and wound type), if you tell me:
• When was her first vaccine dose?
• Did she receive RIG?
• Is the dog vaccinated and healthy?
I can give you a precise, category-based recommendation.
For complete safety and to avoid over- or under-treatment, you may consider a short online consultation so we can review the exact timeline and ensure she is fully protected.
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Continue scheduled vaccination
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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. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Continue vaccination series
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Dr. Kamal Kumar
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rewari
If your mother is already taking the rabies vaccine course and got a minor scratch without bleeding, she does NOT need to restart the vaccine.
She should simply:
• Wash the area with soap and running water for 10–15 minutes
• Apply antiseptic (Betadine)
• Continue the remaining scheduled vaccine doses normally
The ongoing vaccine already provides protection, so restarting is not required.
Only if there was deep wound, bleeding, or saliva exposure into wound, doctor may consider additional treatment (like RIG), but in your case it is not needed.
text me anytime if you need further guidance.
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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. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Do 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.