HomeAnswersGeneral PractitionerrabiesCan I take anti-rabies vaccine without a dog bite?

Is it safe to take anti-rabies vaccine without a dog bite?

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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.

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Published At November 8, 2018
Reviewed AtJuly 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 38 years old. Two days back, I was playing with my neighbor's dog (small one), my middle finger got scratch or bitten. I am not sure, but there were very few drops of blood. So, should I take the anti-rabies vaccine? Is it completely safe to take it even without a dog bite? Any side effect in future if you take it without dog bite?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The anti-rabies vaccine should be taken if there is a dog bite or dog licks the mucous membrane like nose, eyes or mouth or wounded skin or a dog scratch. Wash the wound completely under running tap water with soap for 15 minutes. Watch and observe the dog for a period of 10 days for any unnatural behavior, activities or death. There are no dietary restrictions before or after a rabies vaccine. Vegetarian, as well as non-vegetarian food, is allowed, but do not consume alcohol while under treatment. Do not take any other vaccine other than tetanus (if required) during the treatment protocol. So, in your case, you do require the vaccine cover as a scratch requires the vaccine. So, do not worry about side-effects. Thank you and take care. Regards.

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

Dr. Sharoff Lokesh Mohan
Dr. Sharoff Lokesh Mohan

Orthopedician and Traumatology

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