Are repeated rabies vaccine doses needed in a male at 22?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 24-year-old male. My height is 5'8, and my weight is 150 pounds. A few weeks ago, I had an encounter with a bat early in the morning. I am not sure if I was bitten or if it was a brief encounter. I got a rabies vaccine administered on that day (day 0), as well as days 3, 7, and 14. I have one more injection prescribed for day 28 (it is currently the end of Day 21). The injections on days 0, 3, and 7 were given on my shoulders or deltoid. On day 14, it was given on my right hip (from my understanding, the ventrogluteal muscle). I was curious about this, so I went online, various sources claim that the rabies vaccine should not be administered in the gluteal region. I went to two doctors here, and both said it was fine, as the injection was still intramuscular.

However, I have read from two sources that many doctors and nurses have failed in this regard over the years, and people have died due to their negligence, which is apparently one of the primary reasons for rabies deaths. I am not an expert, obviously, but combined with what I read earlier in various medical site's specific instructions not to inject in the gluteal region, it has made me extremely concerned and untrusting at the moment.

So my question is, should I go get another vaccine done tomorrow (day 22) as well as day 28 and 29?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear what you have been through. It sounds like you were in a category one exposure, which is low risk. However, it still requires post-exposure treatment. At present, for a person who is not immunocompromised, only four doses are required. In your risk category, you would not require rabies immunoglobulin on day 0. Since your four shots were given incorrectly, you should get the additional shot in the shoulder. You are correct in that the injections should only be given to the shoulder. Other sites can result in lower antibody levels.

It should be fine if the additional dose is given properly. If you have any further questions, let me know. If you are still concerned, you can have post-vaccination serologic (antibody) testing to confirm protective levels.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You can wait until the original date or anytime in the next 3 to 5 days.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, that is correct. There is no need to apologize. I want you to be comfortable with this.

You would have had some protection from the incorrect shot. It is fine to wait until day 28 with the original schedule. Taking it a few days sooner would be acceptable, as that may ease your stress somewhat.

Thank you.