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Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Malik✓ Doctor verified

MBBS, MD (Pathology) • 17 Years experience

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Are 3 shots of the anti-rabies vaccine enough?

It is not necessary that three anti-rabies vaccine shots are enough. The number of doses you need depends on whether the vaccine is being given before or after a rabies exposure, the type of exposure, and whether you have been vaccinated against rabies before. After a potential rabies exposure, people who have never been vaccinated against rabies may need multiple vaccine doses, and some exposures may also require rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). People who have already been vaccinated usually need fewer doses. Do not stop your rabies vaccination course just because you have received three shots. If you are unsure about your next dose, check your vaccination record and contact your doctor or clinic before missing it.