Understanding Pre‑Exposure Anti‑Rabies Vaccination in Vadodara
Rabies remains one of the most lethal preventable diseases, causing nearly 20,000 deaths annually in India and claiming over 5,700 lives each year. With Vadodara reporting thousands of dog‑bite incidents every year, pre‑exposure anti-rabies vaccination prophylaxis (PrEP) is a powerful tool—especially for children frequently interacting with pets or spending time outdoors.
As Dr. Vinit Mehta, MD Pediatrician at Aashrey Child Clinic, I advocate for preventive rabies vaccination to protect your child before any bite occurs. Learn why PrEP matters, how it works, and why our centre is best suited to provide it.
Explore schedules and pricing here:
👉 Vaccine Schedule & Price
Why Rabies Prevention Is Vital in India and Vadodara
- High rabies burden: India accounts for around 36% of global rabies deaths—about 18,000–20,000 deaths annually (thelancet.com, who.int).
- Children under age 15 are most affected—30–60% of rabies deaths in India occur in this age group .
- Widespread animal bites in Vadodara: Roughly 21,000–24,000 dog bites are reported yearly, averaging 1,300 incidents monthly, with 25% involving children (divyabhaskar.co.in).
These alarming figures highlight why preventive vaccination is essential, not just a backup plan.
What is Pre‑Exposure anti-Rabies Vaccination Prophylaxis (PrEP)?
PrEP is a simple three‑dose vaccine strategy administered before any exposure to the rabies virus occurs:
Vaccine Dose | When Given |
---|---|
Dose 1 | Day 0 |
Dose 2 | Day 7 |
Dose 3 | Day 28 |
This builds baseline immunity. If the child later gets bitten, only two post-exposure doses are needed, without requiring costly rabies immunoglobulin (RIG)—a major benefit in both health outcomes and logistics.
Why PrEP Matters for Children
- Children’s natural curiosity often leads to unprovoked pet interactions. Studies show most dog bites occur at home with familiar animals (timesofindia.indiatimes.com, en.wikipedia.org).
- Injury reporting is low in young children—they may not tell parents about minor bites. PrEP ensures protection even if the event goes unnoticed.
- Rapid activation of immunity: PrEP primes the immune system to respond quickly, significantly reducing the risk of fatal infection.
💡 In Kerala, health authorities recommended universal PrEP for children after a surge in dog-bite cases (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)—a measure we should also embrace in Vadodara.
PrEP vs. PEP: What You Need to Know
- PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is required after a bite, involving a 5-dose intramuscular regimen with RIG for category III exposures (deep wounds or mucosal contact).
- PrEP takes place before any bite, eliminating the need for RIG later and reducing the schedule to just two post-exposure doses.
Comparison Table
Feature | PrEP (Pre‑Exposure) | PEP (Post‑Exposure) |
---|---|---|
Sequence | 3 doses (D0, D7, D28) | 5 doses IM, + RIG for cat. III |
Need for RIG after bite | No | Yes (if category III) |
Total visits after bite | 3 doses | 5 doses + RIG |
Time investment | Minimal | More intensive |
Cost impact | Lower | Higher |
Aashrey Child Clinic: Your Children’s Rabies Safety Partner
At Aashrey Child Clinic, we specialize in pediatric vaccination and rabies prevention. We offer:
- PrEP doses following WHO/CDC protocol
- Complete PEP management (0, 3, 7, 14, 28 days) with full IM doses
- Complete documentation and follow-up
📞 Call Now to schedule your child’s PrEP vaccination: +918347990180
Click here: anti-Rabies vaccination in Vadodara
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pre-exposure anti-Rabies vaccination
1. When is it appropriate to administer PrEP?
Ideal for children under 15, especially those around pets, stray dogs, or in environments with aggressive animals.
2. Is it safe?
Yes—the modern cell-derived rabies vaccines used in PrEP are extremely safe, with only minor side effects like soreness or mild fever.
3. How long does PrEP immunity last?
High antibody levels last at least 1–2 years. Immunity can be evaluated or boosters administered if ongoing exposure is expected.
4. Is RIG ever needed after PrEP if bitten?
No. After PrEP, the immune system responds robustly with just two additional doses following exposure.
5. Does PrEP work in adults too?
Absolutely. It’s also recommended for veterinarians, travelers, wildlife workers, lab technicians, and other high-risk adults.
Protect Your Child Today
With rabies claiming thousands of lives annually and no cure once symptoms appear, pre-exposure vaccination isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Visit Aashrey Child Clinic to:
- Safeguard kids before any potential exposure
- Eliminate complex PEP plans with RIG
- Ensure peace of mind for families around dogs and other animals
Call Now: +918347990180
📍 Aashrey Child Clinic, Vadodara
👉 View Vaccine Schedule & Pricing
External Resources
- WHO: Rabies Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Schedule
- ICMR/NCDC Annual Rabies Guidelines India
Conclusion: Pre‑exposure anti-rabies vaccination is a smart, effective way to protect children in Vadodara’s high-risk environment. Skip the wait, minimize hassle, and keep your family safe—schedule PrEP today!