Skipping or stopping rabies vaccination after just one dose can increase the risk of rabies infection, especially if a person is exposed to rabies virus. Therefore, it's important to complete the full course of rabies vaccination as recommended by healthcare providers.
Here's a more detailed explanation of the rabies vaccination schedule:
1. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): If you are at high risk of rabies exposure due to your occupation or travel to rabies-endemic areas, you may receive pre-exposure rabies vaccination. This involves a series of three doses of the rabies vaccine, usually given on days 0, 7, and 28.
2. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): If you have been exposed to rabies virus, you will need to receive post-exposure rabies prophylaxis. PEP involves a series of four to five doses of the rabies vaccine, along with rabies immune globulin (RIG). The first dose of the vaccine and RIG should be given as soon as possible after exposure. Subsequent doses of the vaccine are typically given on days 3, 7, 14, and 28.
In some cases, a shortened PEP schedule of two doses of the rabies vaccine and RIG may be recommended for people who have previously received pre-exposure rabies vaccination. However, this shortened schedule is only recommended under specific circumstances and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
It is important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule and complete the full course of rabies vaccination to ensure optimal protection against rabies infection. Stopping rabies vaccination after just one dose can compromise the effectiveness of the vaccine and increase the risk of rabies. If you have any concerns or questions about rabies vaccination, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.