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Anti-rabies vaccine isn’t given in childhood or as prevention; it’s administered only after animal bites, like dogs, cats, or monkeys, to prevent rabies infection
The anti-rabies vaccine is different from those used in general vaccination campaigns. (Representative/PTI)
Dog bites have become a significant problem across the country, with thousands of incidents occurring every month. The anti-rabies vaccine is administered to prevent the spread of rabies, a deadly disease caused by bites from animals such as dogs, cats, and monkeys. In India, this vaccine is only given after a bite from a dog, cat, or monkey, as rabies has a 100 per cent mortality rate if untreated.
Interestingly, the vaccine can be administered even without an actual bite, but it is not available for preventive use in India. Private hospitals also do not offer this vaccine unless a bite has occurred. This raises questions about why the anti-rabies vaccine cannot be given preemptively in India, especially considering that other vaccines are administered from childhood to prevent various diseases.
Dr Sagar Borkar, Assistant Professor in Community Medicine at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML), explains that the anti-rabies vaccine is different from those used in general vaccination campaigns. It is not given in childhood or as a precautionary measure. Instead, it is administered only after bites from animals like dogs, cats, and monkeys to build immunity against the virus and protect the individual from rabies.
However, the vaccine is given to people at high risk, such as veterinary doctors and staff who work closely with animals or in areas with a high risk of rabies exposure. Despite this, routine administration of the vaccine is not recommended due to its limited duration of effectiveness, which is about three years. If someone is bitten during this period, they can receive two booster doses according to World Health Organization guidelines.
The decision regarding the vaccine and booster doses often depends on the health expert at the anti-rabies vaccination centre, who considers the severity of the wound, the condition of the dog, and other relevant factors.
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