Is a booster shot necessary after a dog scratch?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was vaccinated with the anti-rabies vaccine once in my childhood, with five doses, and again, I got three doses of the vaccine 80 days ago. Today, one puppy ran by my leg, but there was no serious scratch and no blood mark, only one small scratch on dried skin. Do I need to take any booster dose?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Since you had a full rabies vaccination course in childhood (five doses) and a booster series (three doses) 80 days ago, your body likely has strong immunity against rabies. Given that the scratch was minimal, there was no bleeding, and from dried skin, you were vaccinated very recently (80 days ago). Do you need a booster dose? No, in most cases, you do not need a booster dose because the recent 3-dose vaccination provides strong protection. WHO (World Health Organization) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines state that for previously vaccinated individuals, a booster is only required if there is a high-risk exposure like deep bites, bleeding wounds, or exposure to saliva on mucous membranes.

What can you do?

Wash the scratched area with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes. Observe the puppy for 10 to 14 days; if it stays healthy, there is no risk. If you are highly anxious, you can check rabies antibody levels (RFFIT test (rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test)) to confirm immunity. No need for immunoglobulin (RIG (rabies immune globulin)), as you are previously vaccinated.

When would you need a booster?

If the puppy shows signs of rabies, such as aggressive behavior, drooling and sudden death and if you get a deep, bleeding bite.

Final advice: Since your exposure was minor and your vaccination is recent, no booster is needed. Just monitor the dog and keep the wound clean.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me assist you further.

Thanks.