After being bitten by a cat and having received the rabies vaccine, if bitten again, is it necessary to get another injection?
May 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
If the time interval between the bite and the rabies vaccination is short, generally no additional shots are needed after being bitten again by a cat following previous vaccination; otherwise, a booster shot is required. The rabies vaccine is a preventive vaccine that, once administered, stimulates the body's immune system to produce specific antibodies, thereby providing protection against the rabies virus.
If the time interval between being bitten and receiving the rabies vaccine is relatively short, generally there is no need to receive another shot after being bitten again by a cat following prior vaccination. However, if the interval is long, a booster shot is required. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Not needed
The rabies vaccine is a preventive vaccine. After injection, it stimulates the body's immune system to produce corresponding antibodies, thereby preventing infection by the rabies virus. If the second bite occurs within six months of the first vaccination, sufficient antibodies are still present in the body to suppress the rabies virus, so re-vaccination is not necessary. It is recommended to clean the wound with running water, press and squeeze out blood from the wound, and properly disinfect the injury site.
2. Needed
The rabies vaccine effectively prevents rabies, but its protection duration is limited. If more than one year has passed since the initial vaccination at the time of the second bite, the body may not have enough antibodies to provide protection, and therefore, another dose of the rabies vaccine is required.
After vaccination, it is important to protect the injection site, avoid contact with water too soon, and maintain a light and healthy diet. If symptoms such as fever, headache, or nausea occur, medical attention should be sought promptly.
