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Rabies vaccination
My son has a probable puppy scratch/bite. He completed all 5 doses of Anti rabies vaccination. But, the first dose was given in his buttocks, followed by other 4 doses in thigh. The wound healed completely.
Is it ok that his first dose was on buttocks.
Answers (20)
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Don’t worry. That’s not an issue.
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No issues, don't worry
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No problem
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No problem.
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Kindly consult for detailed advice
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Its ok , they follow proper guidelines, no worry.
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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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For rabies vaccine (intramuscular schedule):
• Correct site = Deltoid muscle (upper arm) in adults and older children
• In small children → Anterolateral thigh
• ❌ Gluteal (buttock) injection is NOT recommended
Why?
Because fat layer in buttocks can reduce vaccine absorption → leading to lower antibody response.
Now in your son’s case:
• 1st dose → buttock
• Remaining 4 doses → thigh
• Full 5-dose schedule completed
• Wound healed
• No symptoms
Important point:
If only one dose was given in buttock and the remaining 4 were correctly administered, protection is usually still adequate.
WHO guidance states:
If a dose is given in gluteal region, it should ideally be repeated properly.
But since:
• 4 subsequent doses were correctly given
• Schedule completed
• No high-risk exposure ongoing
This is generally considered acceptable, especially because multiple correct doses followed.
Next Steps
If this exposure was recent:
✔ No need to restart full course
✔ No need to panic
If you want absolute confirmation:
✔ Rabies antibody titer (RVNA) test can be done
Protective level ≥ 0.5 IU/mL
In most cases, after 4 correctly administered doses, immunity is sufficient.
If this was:
• Category III exposure
• And vaccine reliability is in doubt
• And child is immunocompromised
Then antibody testing is strongly advised.
Otherwise, no additional action needed now.
Health Tips
Rabies vaccine failure is extremely rare when majority of doses are properly administered.
If you tell me:
• Child’s age
• When vaccination was completed
• Whether puppy was vaccinated/observed
I can give you a final yes/no answer confidently.
If you want structured confirmation and documentation-based guidance, booking an online consultation will help ensure your child’s protection is fully adequate and remove any lingering doubt.
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No need of vaccination.. Please connect me throgh practo or wattsap nine zero seven two two zero seven zero nine three
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As per guidelines
If re-exposure occurs within 3 months of completed PEP, no vaccine is required.
Next Steps
You are good to go provided you had proper PEP of rabies vaccination earlier in February 2026
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Kindly do connect and consult
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Dr. Revanavardan Reddy Doddi
General Practitioner
2 yrs exp
Anantapur
No issues because Rabies Post Prophylactic vaccination is Intramuscular Injection, As it is good muscle for Injection it is safe .
Next Steps
If he has any symptoms please do consult any nearby physician or contact any of us in the app.
Health Tips
Beware of dogs😆
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Dr. Simranpreet Kaur
General Physician
10 yrs exp
Ludhiana
Nothing to worry
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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. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Needs further evalaution
Do consult
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
It's ok
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Dr. Nasar Ahmed
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Jammu
It’s ok
Still want to discuss Kindly contact by Practo
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
No issue
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Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Need some more details kindly consult
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Dr. Abhinav Tiwari
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Etawah
Yes no problem
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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.