Dr. Pham Van Phu, Medical Manager at VNVC Vaccination System, explains that the need for a new regimen stems from the evolution of rabies vaccine technology. New generation rabies vaccines were introduced in Vietnam in 2008. According to manufacturer recommendations, individuals previously vaccinated with older technology rabies vaccines who are now receiving new generation vaccines must follow a new regimen as advised by a doctor.

Your previous vaccination used older technology. Therefore, for this recent stray cat scratch, you must complete a full regimen with the new generation vaccine. Additionally, you must wash the wound with soap under running water for at least 15 minutes, disinfect it with alcohol or iodine, and then visit a medical facility for a doctor to prescribe vaccination as soon as possible. Do not use traditional herbal remedies, poultices, or ritual incisions, as these are ineffective in preventing the disease.

Adults who previously received older technology rabies vaccines and were bitten by a dog after 2008 have completed the new generation rabies vaccine regimen at VNVC Hoang Van Thu. Photo: Dieu Thuan

Adults who previously received older technology rabies vaccines and were bitten by a dog after 2008 have completed the new generation rabies vaccine regimen at VNVC Hoang Van Thu. Photo: Dieu Thuan

Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, and the virus can enter through bites, scratches, or licks on open wounds. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health recommend that all cases of bites or scratches from warm-blooded mammals, including vaccinated domestic cats and dogs, require wound care and prophylactic vaccination.

Currently, Vietnam uses two types of new generation rabies vaccines, from France and India, administered via intramuscular or intradermal injection. Vaccines can be administered either pre-exposure (before a bite or scratch) or post-exposure (after a bite or scratch).

For pre-exposure vaccination, the regimen consists of three doses on days 0, 7, and either 21 or 28. Post-exposure vaccination requires five intramuscular doses or eight intradermal doses.

In post-exposure cases, depending on the severity of the wound and the animal's observation status, a doctor may also prescribe anti-rabies serum. If a person has completed either a pre-exposure or post-exposure vaccination regimen, subsequent bites or scratches will only require two vaccine doses, without the need for anti-rabies serum.

Dr. Pham Van Phu

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System