If the dog has taken the rabies vaccine, do you still need injections?

In India, a single dog bite can create panic in an entire family. The first question most people ask is:

“The dog is vaccinated. So do we really need anti-rabies injections?”

The answer is not always simple — but it is always scientific.

Rabies is one of the few infectious diseases that is almost 100% fatal once symptoms appear. That is why medical protocols are designed to err on the side of caution.

Let us understand the science calmly and clearly.

What Is Rabies and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, which spreads through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly dogs in India.

After a bite:

• The virus enters through broken skin.
• It travels along peripheral nerves.
• It eventually reaches the brain.
• Once neurological symptoms begin, survival is extremely rare.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever and tingling at the bite site
• Anxiety and confusion
• Hydrophobia (fear of water)
• Agitation
• Paralysis

By the time symptoms appear, treatment options are almost ineffective.

This is why prevention after exposure (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis or PEP) is critical.

Why Dog Vaccination Is So Important

Vaccinating dogs protects both the animal and the community.

Scientific evidence shows that when 70% of dogs in a community are vaccinated, rabies transmission drops dramatically.

A vaccinated dog:

• Develops protective antibodies.
• Is highly unlikely to transmit rabies.
• Helps reduce community-level risk.

Mass dog vaccination is the most effective public health strategy to eliminate rabies.

But here is the key question.

If the Dog Is Vaccinated, Why Is Human Vaccination Still Considered?

When a bite occurs, doctors evaluate multiple factors:

• Is the vaccination record genuine and up to date?
• Was the vaccine stored and administered correctly?
• Is the dog healthy and behaving normally?
• Was the bite provoked?
• Can the dog be observed for 10 days?

Rabies prevention follows one core principle:

“When in doubt, treat.”

Because once rabies develops, it is almost always fatal.

The 10-Day Observation Rule: The Science Behind It

If a dog had rabies at the time it bit someone:

• It would show symptoms or die within 10 days.

If the dog remains healthy during this observation period:

It was not infectious at the time of the bite.

This is why doctors may initially start vaccination and later reassess if the dog remains healthy.

What Should Be Done Immediately After a Dog Bite?

Step 1: Wash the Wound Thoroughly

This is not optional.

• Wash with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
• Apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine.

Proper washing significantly reduces viral load.

Step 2: Seek Medical Evaluation

Bites are classified into categories:

• Category I: Touching or feeding animals, no skin break → No vaccine needed.
• Category II: Minor scratches without bleeding → Vaccine required.
• Category III: Deep wounds, bleeding bites → Vaccine + Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) required.

Even vaccinated dogs can cause Category II or III injuries that require evaluation.

When Might Vaccination Be Avoided?

In certain low-risk situations:

• The dog is a well-documented vaccinated pet.
• The vaccination is recent and valid.
• The dog can be observed for 10 days.
• The bite did not break skin.

A qualified doctor may decide that PEP is not necessary.

But self-assessment is risky.

Never assume safety without medical consultation.

What If the Person Was Previously Vaccinated?

If someone has already completed a full rabies vaccination course earlier:

• Only two booster doses are needed.
• Rabies immunoglobulin is usually not required.

This is why high-risk groups such as veterinarians and animal handlers often take pre-exposure vaccination.

Common Myths That Need Correction

“The dog looked healthy, so I am safe.”

Rabies incubation can vary. Only medical evaluation determines risk.

“It was a small bite.”

Even minor scratches can transmit rabies if skin is broken.

“Killing stray dogs will solve the problem.”

Scientific evidence shows that mass vaccination, not elimination, controls rabies effectively.

The Bigger Public Health Perspective

India carries one of the highest rabies burdens globally. Most cases are preventable.

Rabies control requires:

• Responsible pet vaccination
• Public awareness
• Immediate wound washing
• Timely medical consultation
• Avoiding misinformation

The goal is not panic. The goal is prevention.

If you or your child is bitten by a dog:

1. Wash the wound immediately.
2. Do not delay seeking medical advice.
3. Do not wait for symptoms.
4. Do not rely on assumptions about vaccination.

Rabies is preventable — but only if action is taken early.

Vaccinated dogs significantly reduce risk.
But when it comes to rabies, caution saves lives.

If in doubt, consult a qualified doctor immediately.