Rabies vaccine?

[kwilco]

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

Tell me

55555!

[FlorC]

1 hour ago, kwilco said:

The tragic case of this British woman who died after being scratched by a puppy in Morocco is a sobering reminder.
If your skin is BROKEN by any mammal – bite or scratch – you are potentially exposed to rabies.
In Thailand, any doctor will tell you: it’s standard practice to get a course of rabies jabs after an animal bite or scratch. The chances of infection may be low – but the outcome, if untreated, is always fatal. No second chances.
Crucially, animals can carry and transmit rabies before showing any symptoms. So don’t wait around “to see if it looks sick.” By the time it does, it's too late for you.
And don’t assume it’s just stray dogs you need to worry about. In this recent case, it was a puppy. In Thailand, puppies – especially those in markets or on the street – are not vaccinated. They can easily carry and spread rabies. People let their guard down because they’re cute.
Thailand is considered rabies-endemic. Outbreaks are rare, but deaths still occur every year – often because someone didn’t think a small scratch mattered.
So remember: if you're bitten or scratched – even lightly – get medical advice immediately. Rabies is 100% preventable if treated early. And 100% fatal if not.
 

If your skin is BROKEN by any mammal – bite or scratch – you are potentially exposed to rabies.

 

So you can't play with your own pets (not vaccinated) without being vaccinated ?

 

 

[dinsdale]

13 minutes ago, kwilco said:

You said it yourself — would you really risk waiting? You do realise, I hope, that an animal can be infectious with rabies long before showing symptoms, and may not show signs for days or even weeks. That’s the danger.

The whole point of rabies treatment is eliminating any risk, because the stakes aren’t just high — they’re final. No doctor is going to say, “Let’s wait and see.” That’s not how rabies protocols work.

It sounds like you skimmed Google in a panic, but you’re not grasping what you found. There’s a big difference between searching and researching. Google isn’t a source — it’s a tool. And without the skill to use it critically, you’re just reinforcing what you already want to believe.

Go back and look what I said. 10 days but the sooner the better. As I have since pointed out 10 days isn't too long to wait but of course NOT recommended because once again as I said the sooner the better. You say this is misinformation and dangerous but you have failed to show why. How about you show anywhere that disputes what I've posted above about the timing of being jabbed after suspected or possible exposure.

[kwilco]

38 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Go back and look what I said. 10 days but the sooner the better. As I have since pointed out 10 days isn't too long to wait but of course NOT recommended because once again as I said the sooner the better. You say this is misinformation and dangerous but you have failed to show why. How about you show anywhere that disputes what I've posted above about the timing of being jabbed after suspected or possible exposure.

No Dinsdale you posted a load of nonsense trying to contradict me but you got it wrong as you were posting incorrect info and then tried to correct it in another post

[kwilco]

40 minutes ago, FlorC said:

If your skin is BROKEN by any mammal – bite or scratch – you are potentially exposed to rabies.

 

So you can't play with your own pets (not vaccinated) without being vaccinated ?

 

 

In short yes!

In Thailand, pet dogs are legally required to be vaccinated against rabies, I suspect by your post, you haven't done this?

 

You would have to be sure that your pets had never been in contact with potentially infected animals.

As I said earlier the most common way to get infected in Thailand is not from stray dogs but cute little puppies (and of course cats) - if you have pts that roam etc you will still be picking them up and cuddling tem which is the easiest way of getting infected..

ALL mammals can transmit rabies to humans - in Thailand dogs and cats are the main sources -  it coulsd also come from monkeys or bats - there has been a bat case  of rabies-like virus recently. 

[dinsdale]

9 minutes ago, kwilco said:

No Dinsdale you posted a load of nonsense trying to contradict me but you get it wrong as you were posting incoerect info and then tried tpo correct it in another post

My OP for this thread. Please note the highlighted in bold bit.

No point getting a preventative vaccine unless there is a risk of exposure. If potentially exposed it's best to start the course of jabs within 10 days but the sooner the better. Clean the wound site thoroughly with soap and water. Course takes a month with 4 intramuscular jabs but you also get other jabs initially Rabies Immune Globulin being one of them. All up I think I was jabbed 7 or 8 times. If you can get the animal that bit you it can be tested for rabies and jabs might not be needed. 

 

[connda]

Go to a government hospital.  Shots will cost around 500 per shot or less.  You'll need four or five based on the protocol they decide to use.  Gamma gobulin shot as well (not the troll).  Whoever wrote that the shots will cost you 15,000 THB must have rabies as their brain is cooked.  A lot of misinformation spewed here.

I work with a lot of strays and take care of the animals at 2 local temples (shots, neutered/spayed) out of my own pocket as well as having 10 dogs, a cat, and a couple of birds of my own and find homes for those I can't take it or rehome at temples. If I can't rehome them I often will provide them with food and medicine when they come around as I work to find them homes.  This includes taking care of sick animals too, so yeah - I get rabies shots.  Funny cause I've been accused of being a - <gasp> - Anti-Vaxxer!  <screams>.
That gives you an idea of what I think about Covid and under-tested mRNA shots.  But rabies vaccines are based on solid vaccine tech and have been around for a long time.  I can remember when you needed to get them in the stomach - <ugh!>.

Rabies is endemic here, so get the shots if you've been bit and get your animals shots as well.  Most villages in Lamphun give the shots for free to pets and village strays annually..  I keep up the date on my rabies boosters ever couple of years unless I get nipped by a dog or cat I'm not familiar with.  The shots are very common here but cheaper at a government clinic.  They can sting.  Plan on taking some Tylenol after the shot.

Go get the shots. Nothing to fret over, but sooner is better than later. 

[freedomnow]

2 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Costs between 3000 and 15 000 Baht for the five anti rabies injections 

Costs buttons in local hospitals walk-in and you only need 2/3 injections.

I paid about 250 baht per injection.

 

[connda]

Given the snottiness in this thread, my stance is simple.

If you want the shots, get the shots.
If you don't want the shots, don't get them.  
Screw it.  Ya'll are adults - it's your life to live how you wish.  I'd recommend them, but it's your life. 

[connda]

3 hours ago, kwilco said:

the intial jab is sometimes difficult to find

No they are not.  What a load of tosh.  The shots are available in virtually all Thai government hospital.  As i said, rabies in endemic here and the health authorities understand that. 

[freedomnow]

Just now, connda said:

No they are not.  What a load of tosh.  The shots are available in virtually all Thai government hospital.  As i said, rabies in endemic here and the health authorities understand that. 

I actually got mine on the tree lined road (nickname) hospital going to Lamphun where I see you are near...yes, cheap and easy to get and wise !

[kwilco]

23 minutes ago, connda said:

No they are not.  What a load of tosh.  The shots are available in virtually all Thai government hospital.  As i said, rabies in endemic here and the health authorities understand that. 

 

While there haven't been widespread, persistent shortages of rabies vaccines in Thailand recently, there have been instances of localized or temporary shortages linked to specific events or mismanagement. These shortages have sometimes led to the use of older vaccines or impacted post-exposure treatment. Thailand has also seen a rise in rabies cases, with deaths attributed to the disease increasing in certain years. Oftwn when there is a rabies scare it leads to a run on stocks as well. The most recent significant rabies vaccine shortage in Thailand was in 2018. This shortage was linked to a procurement problem, leading to a breakdown in herd immunity due to lower vaccination rates. Following this, the Food and Drug Administration also recalled some vaccine batches due to quality issues. 

Especially finding rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) in Thailand can be difficult, particularly outside of major cities and referral hospitals. While rabies vaccines are widely available in most provincial hospitals, RIG is usually only found in larger hospitals. If you are in Bangkok, you should be able to find it at larger hospitals or specialized travel clinics. However, in more remote areas, including some islands, you may need to travel to the mainland or a major city like Phuket to get it. 

 

[Nick Carter icp]

2 hours ago, freedomnow said:

Costs buttons in local hospitals walk-in and you only need 2/3 injections.

I paid about 250 baht per injection.

 

 

   NO, you needed 2/3 injection and I needed five injections .

There are also other fees like paying to register and other tests and tetanus jabs and things 

[Lorry]

2 hours ago, connda said:

Whoever wrote that the shots will cost you 15,000 THB must have rabies as their brain is cooked.  A lot of misinformation spewed here.

It has been said that HRIG has this price.

That's true, 15000 is actually a bargain. 30,000 up is more realistic.

You need HRIG only if bitten and unvaccinated. In this case, you cannot shop around, and it's hard to find anyway. Big international hospitals do have it, of course. 

BTW it's usually not given in Thailand,  too expensive and too hard to find. 

 

You don't need HRIG if you are bitten but you have been vaccinated before. 

[Nick Carter icp]

2 hours ago, connda said:

.  Whoever wrote that the shots will cost you 15,000 THB must have rabies as their brain is cooked.  A lot of misinformation spewed here.
 

 

  15 000 Baht in total .

You can pay 5000 Baht just to register at some hospitals and  see a doctor  and take some tests to see what you are allergic to . 

[Lorry]

16 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

has anyone had a preventative rabies shot, and if so, how often does it need to be boosted? 

I have it.

No boosters necessary, only if bitten.

 

16 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Have there been many cases of rabies in animals in Thailand?

Yes.

Very common in dogs.

15 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Presumably, one can just make an appointment at any major hospital in Thailand and get a rabies vaccination?  I

Yes.

Cheaper at Thai Travel clinic.

Even cheaper at government hospitals.

15 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

If unvaccinated, how quickly can you get treatment after an incident? 

Same day, easy (but you don't usually get  RIG in Thailand).

 

15 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

most people would ignore a small scratch!  

Thai doctors do not ignore minor scratches from cats or dogs. They will give rabies vaccine. 

[kwilco]

Rabies is not just stray dogs
While rabies deaths in Thailand have dropped significantly over the years, people still die every year (10 last year) – mostly because they don’t get treated after exposure.

Unfortunately a common but overlooked source is cute, unvaccinated puppies in markets.
These unvaccinated animals are often kept in cages, picked up and cuddled by the public — and people don’t take a little nip or scratch seriously.

Rabies doesn’t need a deep bite. It’s spread via saliva, and bodily fluids not just blood. Even a small scratch can be deadly.

Most current deaths in Thailand are from failure to get post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in time. If you’re scratched or bitten — even by a “friendly” pet or market puppy — get to a hospital immediately.
The Thai government has made great strides with vaccines, awareness, and access to PEP — but it only works if people use it.

Don’t wait. Don’t guess. Rabies is always fatal — but always preventable.
 

[Mutt Daeng]

In 2008 I got preventative rabies jabs when I knew I was coming to live in Thailand full time. My local hospital clinic on the UK didn't do the jabs, but they told me to order a course of Verorab from Boots the chemist (about £150 I think) and when they arrived, the clinic administered them free. Here in Buriram, my local Doctor does the rabies jabs. Last time I got bitten by a puppy it cost me around 2500 baht for a course of 5 jabs.

[KhaoHom]

10 hours ago, hotsun said:

Travelling seems to be becoming more unappealing over time

 

Stay home.

 

Oh, you're already there. Problem solved

[BritManToo]

4 hours ago, kwilco said:

Don’t wait. Don’t guess. Rabies is always fatal — but always preventable.

I prefer not to touch other peoples pets.

[Zaphod Priest]

21 hours ago, Hummin said:

Norwegian woman 

 

Nope.  The Norwegian woman was in 2019 and was bitten.  The recent case is a British woman who was only scratched.

[brewsterbudgen]

6 hours ago, Lorry said:

I have it.

No boosters necessary, only if bitten.

 

Yes.

Very common in dogs.

Yes.

Cheaper at Thai Travel clinic.

Even cheaper at government hospitals.

Same day, easy (but you don't usually get  RIG in Thailand).

 

Thai doctors do not ignore minor scratches from cats or dogs. They will give rabies vaccine. 

Thanks.  That's an extremely helpful post.

Is it routine for kids (under 15) to be vaccinated?

[proton]

Best stay away from all animals especially filthy dogs, pets or not. Do not approach or touch any and if walking take an expandable metal batten to ward them off or whack them. Dogs and cats are pests, they are not your 'friend' they are not 'fur babies' and cannot love you, but they can kill you.

[FlorC]

8 hours ago, Lorry said:

Thai doctors do not ignore minor scratches from cats or dogs.

Why scratches ? No saliva like a bite.

 

I have scratches nearly every day.

It's like playing Russian roulette then.

[Lorry]

2 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Is it routine for kids (under 15) to be vaccinated?

 

If they are bitten,  scratched or licked on broken skin, they will be vaccinated,  but pre-exposure prophylaxis is not routine.  It's not a vaccine all kids get as a routine.

 

But it is routine to have all your pets vaccinated,  that includes all dogs on your farm.

It is also routine to go to the local hospital if bitten or scratched. 

[Lorry]

20 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Why scratches ? No saliva like a bite.

 

I have scratches nearly every day.

It's like playing Russian roulette then.

Thais vaccinate their pets.

Then,  if they get scratched,  they don't go to get the vaccine themselves. 

 

If the scratching pet had not been vaccinated yet (too young) Thais will often get rabies vaccine if scratched. Everything else is Russian roulette. 

 

[FlorC]

7 minutes ago, Lorry said:

Thais vaccinate their pets.

Then,  if they get scratched,  they don't go to get the vaccine themselves. 

 

If the scratching pet had not been vaccinated yet (too young) Thais will often get rabies vaccine if scratched. Everything else is Russian roulette. 

 

Still doesn't explain why a scratch (or even as it is reported for the British woman's light scratch), it is possible to get infected

when transmission is by bodily fluids like saliva.

[Hummin]

2 hours ago, Zaphod Priest said:

 

Nope.  The Norwegian woman was in 2019 and was bitten.  The recent case is a British woman who was only scratched.

I didn't claim it was recently, but it made me think about having the vaccine, since I always being around dogs and exposed to small bites and scratches.

 

 

This is an translation from one of the articles who describes her scratches as minor puppy bites/scratches. And being a nurse she treated her puppy bites/scratches properly, and didn't think about it even when she got sick. Neither associated her illness with rabies months later, before to late 

 

 

 

https://www.aftenposten.no/norge/i/70B5mo/birgitte-kallestad-24-fra-hordaland-doede-av-rabies

 

Me playing with my puppy as a reference 

 

[Lorry]

3 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Still doesn't explain why a scratch (or even as it is reported for the British woman's light scratch), it is possible to get infected

when transmission is by bodily fluids like saliva.

Ok, you are the expert.  It is not possible.  The British woman didn't die.

 

[Hummin]

8 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Still doesn't explain why a scratch (or even as it is reported for the British woman's light scratch), it is possible to get infected

when transmission is by bodily fluids like saliva.

If you google you see it is possible 

 

Yes, it is possible to contract rabies from a scratch, but it's rare and usually requires the scratch to be deep enough to break the skin and for the animal's claws to be contaminated with infected saliva. Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites, but scratches can be a route of transmission if the saliva comes into contact with a break in the skin. 

 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/animal-bites-and-rabies#:~:text=The rabies virus enters the,Rabies: Stage 2