I'm a bit worried about a scratch I got from a dog about two days ago. I couldn't get a rabies shot immediately, and I'm planning to get it soon, but it's been over 48 hours now. Will the vaccine still be effective if I get it within 72 hours, or is it too late to prevent rabies?

Dr Dhankecha Dineshbhai

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 6+ Yrs

Consult Now

If you get the rabies shot after 48 hours but before 72 hours of a dog scratch, the vaccine can still be effective. It is ideal to get the rabies vaccine as soon as possible after a potential exposure. The standard regimen for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis involves a series of rabies vaccines, such as Rabipur or Verorab, given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14. Additionally, a dose of rabies immunoglobulin may be administered on day 0 for those with high-risk exposures. It is important to follow the recommended schedule for the vaccine to ensure protection against rabies.

Answered 13 days ago