Essential: Why Rabies Vaccination Matters

Rabies virus is an animalborne virus, primarily hosted by mammals within the order Carnivora and Chiroptera. The Carnivora order includes animals such as dogs (the most common), cats, and raccoons, while the Chiroptera order is represented by bats.

Three Scenarios for Rabies Vaccination

The incubation period for rabies typically ranges from 1 to 3 months. Vaccination and immunoglobulins have a very high chance of blocking the virus's progression if administered before it reaches the central nervous system. Therefore, it is still crucial to get vaccinated after being bitten by a rabid dog. The sooner the vaccination is administered, the better the immune response, and the greater the chance of obtaining protection.

1. In cases of minor bites

This includes minor scratches, bites, or broken skin being licked by the dog, with no bleeding. The vaccine should be administered at 0 (the first day, the day of injection), 3 (the fourth day, and so on), 7, 14, and 30 days, with one vial of the vaccine injected each time. The dosage for children is the same.

2. In cases of severe bites

In addition to the above vaccination method, a double dose of the vaccine should be administered at 0 and 3 days, and rabies antiserum (40 IU/kg body weight) or rabies immunoglobulin (20 IU/kg body weight) should be injected locally and intramuscularly on the day of the vaccine administration. For those who use rabies antiserum or immunoglobulin, a booster shot of 2 to 3 doses must be administered after the full course of vaccination is completed. This means a booster shot should be given on the 15th, 75th, or 10th, 20th, and 90th days after the full course.

3. Proactive vaccination for prevention

Even those who have not been bitten can proactively receive vaccinations, especially for minors who frequently come into contact with stray animals (with unknown health status). This helps prevent parental negligence and addresses potential risks before they arise.

Tip: For more information on the symptoms of rabies, you can read "What Are the Symptoms of Rabies?"