Skip 3rd rabies vaccine during a series of vaccinations isn’t recommended, it is better to always stick to the schedule and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Rabies is a serious and acute infectious disease that can spread to the brain and central nervous system. Animals that can potentially cause rabies are dogs, cats, foxes, skunks, monkeys, bats, and raccoons. In general, animal bites are the main cause of rabies outbreaks. Rabies transmission can also happen through scratches and licking/saliva contact of a rabid animal on injured human skin. The virus will become dangerous if it has spread to the brain and nervous system because if this happens, it will always lead to death. Therefore, if someone is exposed to rabies, the condition can’t be ignored. Getting a rabies vaccine is vital and delaying treatment can be risky. In addition, do not skip 3rd rabies vaccine and always complete all the required vaccinations.
Rabies Disease
Rabies is a disease caused by a lyssavirus. This disease is usually transmitted through animal bites, but scratches or saliva contact of an infected animal can also be the cause of transmission. According to past cases, dog bites contributed to most of the rabies transmission. Furthermore, in the early stages after exposure, an infected person will enter the incubation period for around 20-60 days and not experience any severe symptoms. Early symptoms may also hard to notice because they’re quite similar to flu. However, it should be noted that getting treatment before any symptoms appear is a must. If it’s left unchecked, the condition could get fatal and even cause death. Moreover, people who have a high risk of rabies exposure are suggested to get vaccinated as a prevention against the virus. These people include animal farmers, veterinarians, laboratory workers, any people who work closely with animals, and tourists traveling in high-risk areas, for example, Bali.
Rabies Vaccine
Finding medical treatment such as by getting rabies vaccine is important and must be done quickly after a person is exposed to rabies. The rabies vaccine is a deterrent against the rabies virus. After getting bitten by an infected animal and before getting vaccinated, the patient must ensure to wash the wound with soap under running water for 10-15 minutes, After that, put an antiseptic like povidone-iodine or 70% alcohol to disinfect the wound. Then, immediately find medical care to have vaccination treatment.
Your doctor will either give Anti-Rabies Vaccine or Anti-Rabies Serum depending on the infected person’s condition. The patient will also be informed regarding the vaccination schedule during a consultation with your doctor. Anti-Rabies Vaccine has a function to stimulate and form antibodies in the body and neutralize the rabies virus. On the other hand, Anti-Rabies Serum is composed of Rabies Immunoglobulin. Rabies Immunoglobulin will also activate the antibodies and neutralize the rabies virus. Anti-Rabies Serum is given to patients with deep or large wounds, multiple wounds, and wounds on the dermatome or facial area because the virus can enter and infect the brain faster. Anti-Rabies Virus can also give protection for 7-10 days before the antibodies appear.
Skip 3rd Rabies Vaccine During a Course of Vaccinations
Usually, someone infected with rabies but has never been vaccinated will get 4 doses of rabies vaccine, with the following conditions:
- Immediate dose: Given immediately after a person is exposed to rabies. In addition, a shot of Anti-Rabies Serum (Rabies Immunoglobulin) will be given if the person has deep/large or multiple wounds;
- Additional dose: Given on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day after the first dose is given.
On the other hand, someone infected with rabies but has previously undergone rabies vaccination will get two doses of rabies vaccine, with the following details:
- Immediate dose: Will be given immediately after someone is positive of rabies;
- Additional dose: Will be given on the 3rd day after the first dose is given;
- Shot of Anti-Rabies Serum (Rabies Immunoglobulin) is not required.
People might wonder if they can skip 3rd rabies vaccine, or if not completing all the doses is fine. However, the patient is advised to follow the schedule and stick to the doctor’s instructions. You must not skip 3rd rabies vaccine. The patient must complete all the required doses so they can have maximum protection. If someone exposed to rabies skip 3rd rabies vaccine, the condition may be fatal. If you really have to skip 3rd rabies vaccine, immediately reschedule the vaccination with your doctor as soon as possible. Rabies is dangerous and can cause death, it is better not to delay and wait too long to get treatment.
If you or someone you know got infected with rabies, do not wait too long and get rabies vaccine immediately. You can book Rabies Vaccination Service through Medi-Call Application or simply contact Medi-Call Hotline at +62 81210783387.