Understanding Rabies Vaccine Intramuscular Route for Dog Bites
Written by Shruti Thapa
Reviewed by Dr. Ananthakrishnan Chandrasekhar, MD
Key Takeaways
- Introduction
- What is Rabies and Why Timely Vaccination is Important
- Types of Rabies Vaccines Used in India: Abhayrab, Rabipur, Rabivax S
- How Many Injections are Required for a Dog Bite: Dosage and Schedule
- Injection Site for Rabies Vaccine: Why Deltoid Is Preferred
- Dog Bite Injection Price in India: What to Expect
- Preventive Measures and First Aid After Dog Bites Before Vaccination
- Common Side Effects and Precautions of Rabies Vaccine
- FAQs
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why hospitals and clinics in India insist on immediate vaccination if a dog bites you?
Dog bites are not rare in India, but the treatment cannot be delayed, as it can be the difference between life and death. This is because dog bites expose you to rabies, which is one of the deadliest viral infections.
This article explores the importance of the rabies vaccine, the types of vaccines available in India, the dosage schedule, the dog bite injection price, and the precautions everyone must know.
What is Rabies and Why Timely Vaccination is Important
Rabies is a fatal infection caused by the rabies virus. It enters the bloodstream through saliva left on a bite or scratch from infected animals, such as dogs, cats, or bats. Rabies is nearly inevitably fatal once it has entered the bloodstream and may cause confusion, fever, hydrophobia, and even paralysis. With vaccination, this can be avoided, but only if it is administered soon after the exposure.
Types of Rabies Vaccines Used in India: Abhayrab, Rabipur, Rabivax S
Several rabies vaccines are available in India, and doctors usually recommend one depending on availability, price, and patient needs.
- Abhayrab injection: Manufactured in India, widely available, and WHO-approved. It is commonly used in government hospitals.
- Rabipur injection dose for adults: A popular imported option that follows the WHO vaccination schedule.
- Rabivax S injection: Another licensed vaccine in India, known for reliability and efficacy.
All these vaccines alter the body's immune system to generate antibodies to the virus. The dose of injection is as recommended by WHO, and generally does not differ with brand.
How Many Injections are Required for a Dog Bite: Dosage and Schedule
The standard dog bite injection dose days schedule is:
- Day 0: The first injection is given on the same day of the bite.
- Day 3: The second injection.
- Day 7: The third injection.
- Day 14: The fourth injection.
- Day 28: The fifth injection.
Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) might be administered around the wound in case of severe bites, with specific recommendations by the physician in some instances.
Injection Site for Rabies Vaccine: Why Deltoid Is Preferred
Adults and older children are given the vaccine intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle (upper arm muscle). This is primarily because it helps with good absorption and a strong immune response.
In the case of younger children, the dose may be administered through the anterolateral thigh muscle. The buttocks are an area that should not be used to inject vaccines since they contain a lot of fat tissue that minimizes performance.
Role of Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) Alongside Vaccine
The vaccine used to immunise against rabies takes time to take effect, whereas the protection offered by Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is instant. Therefore, RIG is administered by doctors when there are severe bites (deep wounds, multiple bites, or bites on the face).
This is injected alongside the wound, and together with the vaccination schedule, it helps enhance the protection against rabies.
Dog Bite Injection Price in India: What to Expect
One major concern for families after a bite is: “What is the dog injection price in India?” The dog bite injection price varies depending on the brand, location, and healthcare setting:
-
Government hospitals: Often provided free of cost.
-
Private hospitals or pharmacies:
- Abhayrab injection: ₹350-₹500 per dose.
- Rabipur injection dose for adults: ₹400-₹600 per dose.
- Rabivax S injection: ₹450-₹700 per dose.
Preventive Measures and First Aid After Dog Bites Before Vaccination
Before rushing to the hospital for a dog bite injection, first aid at home is crucial:
- Wash the wound immediately with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes.
- Apply povidone-iodine solution or antiseptic if available.
- Avoid tying cloth or applying irritants like chilli powder, lime, or turmeric.
Quick wound cleaning reduces viral load, but it does not replace the need for vaccination. So, go to your doctor immediately.
Common Side Effects and Precautions of Rabies Vaccine
Like any vaccine, rabies vaccines may cause mild side effects:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Fever or fatigue
- Headache or dizziness
- Mild allergic reactions (rare)
Precautions include:
- Inform the doctor about any allergies.
- Avoid missed doses. Follow the Rabies injection, for instance, the Rabipur injection schedule, as advised by the doctor.
- Consulting a doctor about foods to avoid with certain medications (though the rabies vaccine itself has no food restrictions).
FAQ
A full intramuscular rabies vaccination course usually requires five injections on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28, ensuring effective post-exposure protection against rabies virus infection.
The standard anti-rabies injection dose is 0.5–1 ml intramuscularly, given in five doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28, as recommended by WHO guidelines for effective protection.
The rabies vaccine is usually administered intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle for adults, while children may receive it in the anterolateral thigh, never in the buttocks due to reduced efficacy.
The price of a dog bite injection in India ranges from ₹350 to ₹700 per dose in private clinics, while many government hospitals provide rabies vaccination free of cost.
Rabipur injection dose for adults is 1 ml intramuscularly, administered in the deltoid muscle, following the standard five-dose vaccination schedule after suspected rabies exposure through a dog bite.
The Rabipur injection schedule follows five doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28. The first dose starts immediately after exposure, continuing as recommended by healthcare providers.
Abhayrab is an anti-rabies vaccine used after animal bites or scratches. It is administered intramuscularly in multiple doses, starting immediately post-exposure, to prevent the onset of rabies infection.
Rabivax S injection is a rabies vaccine used for post-exposure prophylaxis in humans. It helps the immune system build antibodies against the rabies virus, preventing infection after animal bites.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is for information only and is not medical advice. Kofuku content is community-driven and complements, not replaces, professional care. Consult a qualified provider before acting on any health decision.
