Rabies shots after a bite
rabies vaccine · rabies shots after a dog bite · post-exposure rabies prophylaxis · rabies shot after a cat bite
A course of shots after an animal bite or scratch. It stops rabies from developing, if started in time.
After a bite, scratch, or saliva on broken skin from a dog, cat, wild animal, or bat.
⏱ Duration: each shot takes a few seconds; the course is several shots on a schedule over a few weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Right after the bite. Wash the wound under running water with soap for at least 15 minutes.
- Do not wait. Go to an urgent care clinic right away. The sooner the shots start, the better.
- The animal. If you can, ask the owner if the animal is vaccinated. It needs to be watched for 10 days.
What to bring
- Your ID
- Details about the animal and its owner, if known
- Your vaccination certificate
How it goes
- The doctor examines and cleans the wound
- They ask about the animal and decide if a course is needed
- The first shot is given in the upper arm
- For deep bites, another medicine is sometimes injected around the wound
- You get a schedule for the next shots
- The doctor decides if a tetanus shot is needed
What you'll feel
- A quick prick
- Sometimes soreness at the spot, tiredness, or a mild fever
Afterwards
- Do not miss any shots on the schedule. This is very important
- Your doctor may ask you not to drink alcohol during the course
- If the animal is healthy after 10 days, the doctor may end the course early
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a rash all over: call emergency services
- The wound becomes very red, swollen, or full of pus, or you get a fever
Common questions
How many shots are needed?
Usually several shots in the upper arm, on a schedule. Your doctor will say exactly how many.
Can I skip the shots if it was a pet dog?
The doctor decides. Often a vaccinated animal is watched for 10 days, and the course starts before that.
What if I missed a shot?
Contact your doctor right away. They will tell you how to continue.