National Guidelines for Rabies Prophylaxis
Standardized evidence-based consensus guidelines developed by the Consortium Against Rabies adhering to WHO expert consultation standards.
The Golden Rule: Immediate First Aid Saves Lives
Immediate vigorous washing of all animal bite wounds and scratches with running tap water and soap for at least 15 minutes physically removes up to 90% of the viral inoculate. This single measure drastically reduces rabies transmission risk.
Risk Assessment & Category Triage
Touching or Feeding Animals
Touching, feeding suspected animals, or licks on intact skin without open wounds.
Wash exposed skin surfaces. No vaccine or immunoglobulin required if history is reliable.
Minor Scratches / Nibbling
Nibbling of uncovered skin, minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding.
Immediate wound washing + Complete Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) course. RIG is not routinely required unless immunocompromised.
Transdermal Bites / Bleeding
Single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, licks on broken skin, contamination of mucous membranes.
Immediate washing + Full Anti-Rabies Vaccine course + Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) thoroughly infiltrated into all wounds.
Intradermal Rabies Vaccination (IDRV)
CAR has been at the forefront of popularizing the Intradermal Route in India. Instead of using 1 full vial (0.5ml or 1.0ml) per visit via intramuscular route, the intradermal route uses just 0.1 ml per site.
- Up to 80% Cost Reduction: Allows 1 vaccine vial to treat multiple bite patients.
- Identical Seroconversion: Triggers equivalent or superior protective neutralising antibodies.
- Updated 2-Site Schedule: 2 sites (0.1 ml each deltoid) on Days 0, 3, and 7.
Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) Dosages
Skin sensitivity testing is no longer mandated by WHO guidelines; have adrenaline on standby.
As much of the calculated dose as anatomically feasible should be infiltrated locally into and around the wound(s).