HomeAnswersGeneral PractitionerrabiesI had two booster doses of rabies. Can I have two doses?

What side effects can occur if a person receives two extra booster doses of rabies vaccine?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Rajesh Jain

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 28, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 29, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a history of receiving rabies vaccine seven months back (3 doses) and four months back (2 booster doses). Last month, I was scratched by a cat's paws, but the scratch was superficial and without bleeding (I did not see blood in the scratch, and only the skin of my hand was scratched). Now 39 days have passed since that scratch and I have been suffering from bites in my fingers (scratch site), severe coughs, and mild sore throat for more than 15 days (now the cough and sore throat are better). Due to the fear of diseases, I received 2 booster doses again. The doctors did not see the need to receive the vaccine and believed that my body has sufficient immunity, but I received the vaccine. It has now been 5 days since my last booster dose, and since last night I have had constipation and cramping in my arm, shoulder, and forearm. Also, yesterday I noticed severe pain in my back and neck while playing a video game. Now my questions are- Do I have rabies? If these are the symptoms of rabies, how long will it take until the next symptoms appear and I finally die? Was a booster vaccine required, or did I receive it for no reason? In addition, I do not do sports, but I use mobile phones and game consoles a lot. I am really worried and these symptoms have made me feel hopeless about my life and not go to school or do my daily activities. Please help me and answer my questions (rabies is an almost controlled disease in my country).

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Jain

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern. You are having sufficient antibodies against rabies so do not worry. Your current symptoms that you mentioned (backache, neck pain, shoulder pain), are these musculoskeletal pain that can arise due to lack of exercise and proper sleep, using a heightened pillow, sitting or sleeping in the wrong posture? As you have already taken the antirabies vaccine, and there is no single case of rabies in your country, there is no chance of getting rabies at all. To check your antibodies against rabies you can do antibody titers at the laboratory. Hope this helps. Thanks and take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Dr. Rajesh Jain

General Practitioner

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