What to do if a stray cat scratches a pregnant woman?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am eight months pregnant. I got a scratch from a stray cat and the cat died a few days after the incident. I had bleeding from the wound. I completed my pre-exposure anti-rabies vaccine 12 years back and took 3 doses of post-exposure anti-rabies two and half years before. I have started vaccination two days after the incident. But I forgot to take the second dose. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

At the outset, let me commend you on being aware and taking both pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis ( PEP). This already provides you with optimum protection and obviates the need for any rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG), often given in addition to rabies vaccination for unvaccinated individuals. PEP does not have contraindications if purified rabies immunoglobulin and vaccines are used. Pregnancy and infancy are not contraindications to PEP.

For your case, you require a five-dosage intramuscular regime: (1-1-1-1-1). Each dose of the vaccine administered on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28. Given in the deltoid region. You have already taken dose 0 ( the day it started). Day 0 is the day of the first vaccine, not necessarily the day of exposure. According to guidelines, if a dose is missed, or timing has been compromised, the next vaccine should be given as soon as possible and considered as the missed dose, and subsequent intervals readjusted. That means you can take the vaccine as early as possible and the next injections would likely be on the 7th day. Please try to not miss the schedules henceforth, and stay safe and healthy.

Thank you.