Why is it necessary to take the same brand rabies vaccine on dog bite?Image Credit Source: Getty Images
Cases of dog attacks are increasing continuously across the country. In such a situation, the biggest danger is of rabies, which is a deadly disease and once a symptom is seen, no treatment is possible. This is the reason that it is considered mandatory to install rabies vaccine immediately after the bite of a dog or any rabies. The rabies virus affects the nervous system and can also kill the patient by reaching the brain.
By applying vaccine on time, antibodies are formed in the body which prevents the virus from spreading and saves lives. That is why doctors always recommend not to delay after cutting and get the entire dose of the vaccine on time. But often doctors also say that the vaccine should be applied to the same brand. In such a situation, let us know why doctors often recommend applying the same brand vaccine.
Why is the vaccine of the same brand necessary?
Many brands are available in rabies vaccine markets. Although their purpose is the same, there may be a slight difference in the compensation of each brand, manufacturing process and immune response. This is the reason that experts recommend taking a full course of the same brand vaccine. When the patient completes the entire schedule from the same brand, the body continues to form and stable antibodies. If the brand is changed in the middle, the immune system may have difficulty in fighting the virus and the effect of the vaccine may remain incomplete. This does not create adequate protection in the body and there is a risk of dangerous disease like rabies. Therefore, doctors usually recommend to avoid mixing and say that the initial dose starts with the brand from which it starts.
Disadvantages of getting separate vaccine in private and government hospitals
Joint Director in Animal Husbandry Department in Ghaziabad, Dr. S. P Pandey It is said that many times the patient gets the first dose from the private hospital and the second dose changes the brand in the middle from the government hospital or for some reason. Doing so can be risky. The vaccine of each brand is based on different techniques and structure, which has a slightly different effect and the ability to make antibodies. When the brand is changed in the middle, enough and stable immunity is not developed in the body. This may increase the risk of infection.
Dr. S. P Pandey says that the immune response remains incomplete many times when the brand is changed and the patient may have to start an additional dose or the entire course. This increases the problems of both time, money and patients.
World Health Organization (WHO) It also suggests that the course of rabies vaccine should be completed from the same brand. If for some reason the brand has to be changed, then it should be done only with the advice of a doctor and under very special circumstances.
What to take care of?
Contact the doctor immediately on dog bites.
Always get a full dose on time, do not miss any dose.
Complete the course with the brand from which the vaccine has started.
If you have to change the hospital, then inform the doctor in advance.
Do not decide to change the brand yourself, only on the advice of a doctor.
Keep the entire schedule of the vaccine in writing.