How many rabies shots are administered after a rat bite? - briefly
In most cases a rat bite does not trigger rabies prophylaxis, so no injections are administered. If the animal is suspected of rabies, the standard post‑exposure regimen consists of four vaccine doses plus a single dose of rabies immune globulin.
How many rabies shots are administered after a rat bite? - in detail
A rat bite is classified as a potential rabies exposure, so the standard post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocol is applied. The regimen consists of a series of rabies vaccinations and, when indicated, rabies immune globulin (RIG).
The vaccine schedule recommended by the CDC for individuals with a normal immune system includes four doses of a modern, cell‑culture rabies vaccine. The injections are given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 after the incident. If the person has a compromised immune system, an additional fifth dose on day 28 is advised.
RIG is administered only once, at the beginning of treatment (day 0). The globulin is infiltrated around the wound as much as possible, and any remaining volume is given intramuscularly at a separate site.
A concise overview:
- Day 0: First vaccine dose + RIG (if indicated).
- Day 3: Second vaccine dose.
- Day 7: Third vaccine dose.
- Day 14: Fourth vaccine dose.
- Day 28 (immunocompromised only): Fifth vaccine dose.
Wound care is essential: clean the area thoroughly with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and seek medical evaluation promptly. The decision to start PEP depends on the animal’s rabies status, the circumstances of the bite, and local health‑department guidance. In regions where rats are not considered rabies reservoirs, some clinicians may opt for observation rather than full PEP, but the default protocol remains the four‑dose series with RIG when exposure risk cannot be excluded.