Rabies Vaccine: Why is it necessary to get the same brand of rabies vaccine in case of dog bite? Know from the expert

Given the increasing threat of dog attacks and rabies across the country, it is extremely important to get vaccinated on time. The rabies virus can prove fatal and there is no cure for it. In such a situation, vaccine is the most effective way of prevention.

Cases of dog attacks are increasing continuously across the country. In such a situation, the biggest danger is of rabies, which is a fatal disease and once the symptoms appear, there is no cure for it. This is why it is considered mandatory to get rabies vaccine immediately after being bitten by a dog or any rabies-infected animal. The rabies virus affects the nervous system and can even kill the patient by reaching the brain.

Getting vaccinated on time creates antibodies in the body that prevent the virus from spreading and save lives. That is why doctors always advise not to delay after getting bitten and get the full dose of the vaccine on time. But often doctors also say that the vaccine should be of the same brand. In such a situation, let us know why doctors often recommend getting the vaccine of the same brand.

Why is it necessary to have the same brand of vaccine?

Rabies vaccines are available in the market under several brand names. Although their purpose is the same, there may be slight differences in the composition, manufacturing process and immune response of each brand of vaccine. This is why experts recommend taking a full course of the same brand of vaccine. When the patient completes the entire schedule with the same brand, continuous and stable antibodies are produced in the body. If the brand is changed in between, the immune system may have difficulty fighting the virus and the effect of the vaccine may remain incomplete. Due to this, adequate protection is not created in the body and the risk of a dangerous disease like rabies remains. Therefore, doctors usually advise to avoid mixing and say that the entire course should be taken with the brand with which the initial dose starts.

Disadvantages of getting different vaccines in private and government hospitals

Dr. S.P. Pandey, Joint Director in the Animal Husbandry Department in Ghaziabad, says that many times the patient gets the first dose from a private hospital and the second dose from a government hospital or due to some reason the brand changes in between. Doing this can be risky. The vaccine of every brand is based on different technology and structure, due to which their effect and ability to produce antibodies is slightly different. When the brand is changed in between, adequate and stable immunity is not developed in the body. This can increase the risk of infection.

Dr. S.P. Pandey explains that many times the immune response remains incomplete when the brand is changed and the patient may have to take an additional dose or start the entire course again. This increases the trouble of both time, money and the patient.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends that the course of rabies vaccine should be completed with the same brand. If for any reason the brand has to be changed, it should be done only on the advice of a doctor and in very special circumstances.

What to keep in mind?

In case of dog bite, contact the doctor immediately.

Always take the full dose on time, do not miss any dose.

Complete the course with the same brand of vaccine from which you started.

If you have to change the hospital, inform the doctor in advance.

Do not take the decision to change the brand on your own, do it only on the advice of your doctor.

Keep the complete vaccine schedule in written form.

PC:TV9Bharatvarsh