Is an anti-rabies injection in the buttock effective?

Question

Hello doctor,

A child, 2 years and six months old, was given the first two doses of Rabipur (anti-rabies vaccine) on the scheduled date, that is the zero and third day of the monkey bite. However, due to lack of knowledge, both the times, it was given in the gluteal region. The third dose was given on the deltoid area, and the fourth dose is due in three days.

Kindly advice what is to be done further.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your child had an animal bite, for which he is receiving post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies.

The rabies prophylaxis consists of two steps:

Human rabies immunoglobulin is given (20 mcg/kg) around the injury site.
Anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) is given on days zero, three, seven, and 14 in the deltoid area. In infants, it is given around the lateral side of the thigh.

Your kid has received it in the gluteal area, which is generally avoided due to the contamination of the area. However, it is not less effective even if given there. So, you do not need to worry. Just complete the fourth dose, and everything will be alright.

I hope this information helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have taken five doses instead of four. You have been extra cautious. But, that is good.

The hoarseness of voice in a young child is generally due to a sudden sharp cry which sometimes causes edema of the vocal cords. You can get an indirect laryngoscopy of the kid to have a look on the vocal cords by an ENT doctor. Try to train your kid to rest his vocal cords.

Antibiotics are not needed. However, for the time being, continue the antiallergic meds. It is usually a self-limiting condition and settles spontaneously.

Hoarseness of voice due to antiretrovirus (ARV) is not known and less likely to be the cause.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.