Can I receive the rabies vaccine even if I haven't been scratched or bitten by a cat or dog?
Feb 11, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Rabies vaccination is generally recommended even without being scratched or bitten by cats or dogs. However, rabies vaccines are required following any bite or scratch from a dog or cat. The rabies vaccine can also be administered preventively to healthy individuals who have not been bitten, especially those at high risk of exposure or who may come into contact with the rabies virus, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, and close contacts of rabies patients.
Generally, rabies vaccination can be administered even if a person has not been scratched by cats or dogs.
Rabies is a fatal infectious disease. Once infection occurs, it is invariably deadly, and to date, there are no effective treatments available. Therefore, it is standard practice to receive the rabies vaccine after being bitten or scratched by dogs or cats.
The rabies vaccine may also be given to individuals who have not been scratched or bitten by animals such as dogs or cats. Preventive vaccination can be provided to healthy individuals who are at high risk of exposure, including those living in endemic areas, people with a high likelihood of being bitten, or those whose occupations involve potential contact with the rabies virus—such as veterinarians, animal handlers, and close contacts of rabies patients. However, for healthy individuals receiving preventive vaccination, three doses are sufficient instead of the full five-dose regimen.
Typically, the vaccine is administered as one dose immediately within 24 hours after injury, followed by additional doses on days 3, 7, 14, and 28. For cases of severe bites, anti-rabies serum should also be used concurrently. However, individuals who received the rabies vaccine within the past three months may not require additional vaccination.
