Many people understand that rabies only occurs in dogs, but in reality, this disease affects many warm-blooded animals, especially mammals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, rats, and monkeys.
Normally, children are at high risk of being bitten by animals because they often cannot distinguish whether an animal is aggressive or not. So how can we prevent rabies from animal bites? How effective is the rabies vaccine? Today, Dr. Amornrat Aphornwichanop, a pediatrician at Phyathai Nawamin Hospital, will discuss these topics.
When should the rabies vaccine be administered?
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system, causing neurological disease and can lead to death. Infection usually occurs through saliva entering wounds, the mouth, or eyes. All mammals can be infected and can transmit the virus.
The easiest way to protect yourself and your children is to avoid being bitten by animals and avoid contact with unknown animals. Additionally, the simplest way to prevent rabies is to receive a pre-exposure vaccination, which is given before being bitten or scratched by an animal. Everyone can get the rabies vaccine at Phyathai Nawamin Hospital.
How many doses of the rabies vaccine are required?
The rabies vaccine is administered intramuscularly in 2 doses, with one dose given on day 0 and another on day 7.
Benefits of pre-exposure vaccination
If vaccinated before exposure or before being bitten by an animal, the benefits include:
- No need for immunoglobulin around the wound
Immunoglobulin injection provides immunity to prevent rabies after an animal bite. Immunoglobulin can destroy the virus at the wound site within a few hours after injection. If the doctor decides to administer immunoglobulin along with the vaccine, it must be given as soon as possible and only once, injected into and around the wound. The dosage is adjusted according to the patient’s body weight. - After completing the rabies vaccination series, if bitten or scratched by an animal, only 2 booster doses are required, given on day 0 and day 3 (but if never vaccinated before, 5 doses and immunoglobulin around all wounds are necessary).
After receiving the rabies vaccine
If an animal licks mucous membranes, wounds, or bites/scratches
You should see a doctor for booster vaccination every time
What should you do if bitten, scratched, or licked on a wound by a dog, cat, or warm-blooded animal?
- Wash the wound thoroughly with clean water and mild soap several times.
- Dry the wound and apply an antiseptic.
- Quarantine the animal that bit you to observe for 10-15 days.
- See a doctor immediately for advice on vaccination.
- Complete the vaccination schedule on time.
Dr. Amornrat Aphornwichanop
Pediatric Specialist
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
