Pet lovers, there’s a pre-rabies vaccine available at CMI
When you are bitten by an unvaccinated dog or cat, expect to receive a series of shots that stimulate the production of antibodies in your system to prevent the onset of rabies. Depending on the category of the bite, a patient may receive immunoglobulin and/or rabies vaccination administered on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 (a fifth dose on Day 28 if you’re immunocompromised), and possibly a booster shot depending on the risk of exposure.
Consider protecting yourself from rabies before getting bitten. Available at urgent care clinic Centre Medicale Internationale (CMI) and recognized as a safe and effective pre-qualified vaccine by the World Health Organization, Verorab (purified Vero cell rabies vaccine) comes in two doses given seven days apart.
Initially meant for veterinarians, animal handlers, and other individuals at high risk for rabies, the vaccine is now recommended for private pet owners and breeders, given their potential exposure to the rabies virus.
According to medical journal The Lancet, the Philippines has one of the highest incidences of human rabies in Asia. In September 2024, the Department of Health recorded 354 cases of rabies in the country, a 23 percent jump from the previous year. Deaths due to this fatal yet highly preventable disease was at 160 as of June 2024. Bites from unvaccinated dogs accounted for nearly all of the rabies cases last year.
As a precautionary measure, Verorab-vaccinated individuals who get bitten by a pet or stray still need to observe the protocol for treating an animal bite. Wash the wound with soap and clean running water for at least five minutes, apply a clean bandage on the wound, seek medical attention immediately, and report the animal to officials in your local health or animal center.
If the bite is on the extremities and the animal is not a stray, has been previously immunized, and remains healthy 14 days after the biting incident, a booster shot may not be required.
However, if the animal is sick or dies, and the individual sustained multiple deep bites to their head, neck, genital area, hands, or toes, and is from a geographically isolated or disadvantaged area, post-exposure vaccines (also available at CMI) for days 0 and 3 are recommended.
Centre Medicale Internationale, 2/F Ore Central Building, 31st Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Tel. (02) 8812-1264
