Can I still receive a rabies vaccine more than 24 hours after being scratched by a cat and bleeding?
I accidentally got scratched by a cat, but I missed the opportunity to receive the rabies vaccine in time. I’d like to ask: Is it still possible to get vaccinated more than 24 hours after the scratch caused bleeding?
Doctor's answer (1)
After being scratched by a cat and bleeding, the optimal time for rabies vaccination is within 24 hours of the injury. However, even if more than 24 hours have elapsed, rabies vaccination remains effective. Since the incubation period of rabies may last from one to three months and the fatality rate approaches 100% once clinical symptoms develop, vaccination should not be abandoned.
The earlier the vaccine is administered, the better the preventive effect. If more than 24 hours have passed since the injury, vaccination should be completed as soon as possible—ideally within 48 hours—and rabies immunoglobulin or anti-rabies serum should be infiltrated around the wound site to enhance protection. Rabies vaccination must be administered in full doses and according to the complete recommended schedule to ensure sufficient antibody production to neutralize the rabies virus. Please seek medical attention promptly and follow the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals.
