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Rabies vaccine query
I have taken 5 rabies vaccine with last dose on 4th November and had taken a 4 dose course of intradermal vaccine on 3rd 7th 10th January and 4th dose on 9 th February does this new course provides protection for 3 months
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You can get one booster dose after 6 months
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Confirm whether you got Rabies Immunoglobulin or vaccine?
Next Steps
consult for more details
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Upto 6 months.
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Do consult
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Yes — the intradermal (ID) 4-dose course you completed on 9th February acts as a full post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
After completing a proper PEP schedule, protective rabies virus–neutralizing antibodies (RVNA ≥0.5 IU/ml) develop within 7–14 days and provide strong protection for at least 3 months, usually much longer.
So from 9th February onward, you are considered adequately protected for 3 months against new exposures (as per WHO guidance for previously vaccinated individuals).
You have already taken multiple complete courses (5 doses in November + booster course Jan–Feb), so your immune response should be robust.
Next Steps
If a new bite/scratch occurs within 3 months of 9th February:
• No need for full PEP again
• Usually no vaccine required
• Just wash the wound thoroughly
If exposure occurs after 3 months:
• Only 2 booster doses (Day 0 and Day 3) are required
• No RIG needed
Avoid taking repeated full courses unnecessarily — it does not increase protection further and only increases anxiety.
Health Tips
• Do not repeat rabies IgG testing — routine antibody testing is not required unless immunocompromised.
• Excessive repeated vaccination is not harmful but medically unnecessary.
• Focus on proper wound washing (15 minutes soap + water) — this is the most important step.
• If you work in high-risk settings, consider pre-exposure schedule planning rather than repeated PEP.
Based on your vaccination history, you are well protected at present.
If you want, we can review your entire rabies exposure timeline once in a structured online consultation so you can stop worrying about each minor incident going forward.
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Since you have completed the full rabies vaccine course again recently, you are well protected. Protection does not last only 3 months — it usually gives good immunity, and in case of future bite within a few months, only booster doses may be needed.
Still, please consult me directly so I can review your dates properly and guide you for correct future protection.
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Yes
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Rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin are 2 different things.
Usually Immunoglobulin is the one that is given Intradermally, which provides immunity for 21 days.
However Rabies vaccination can also be given Intradermally, but is rare in India.
Next Steps
Confirm whether you got Rabies vaccine or Immunoglobulin.
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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. Shaikh Huzaif
General Physician
20 yrs exp
Mumbai
Please consult
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Dr. Pooja Joon
General Physician
2 yrs exp
Delhi
Upto 6 months
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Booster after 6 month
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Dr. Konica gupta
General Physician
4 yrs exp
Ghaziabad
Yes
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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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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.