Let's learn about Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG), a special vaccine given in case of animal bite.

Imagine that you are walking on the street, or playing with your pet at home, and suddenly you are bitten. Or a cat scratches you. You know the fear that comes to mind at that time. We all know that when that happens, we should be afraid of rabies. So we go to see a doctor as soon as possible. Many people think that when an animal bites, the only thing they give is the rabies vaccine, which is given for a few days in a row. However, in some cases, in addition to that vaccine, another very important, special vaccine is given. That is Rabies Immune Globulin, or RIG for short. Today we are talking about this special vaccine that protects you immediately.

What is Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG)?

Simply put, this is not a rabies vaccine. These are two different things. Let's see what the difference is.

When you get the rabies vaccine, it trains your body to make antibodies that can fight the rabies virus. It's like training your own army. But it takes several days for this army to be trained and ready for battle.

However, if the animal bite is severe, or if the bite is in a place where the virus can quickly reach the brain (for example, the face, neck, hands), we don't have time to wait for our army to train. That's when a special force called Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) comes to the rescue.

These antibodies are obtained from the blood plasma of healthy people who have immunity to rabies. But don't worry, they are subjected to the most rigorous testing, purified, and prepared in a completely safe way.

In what cases is this vaccine needed?

RIG vaccination is not always given after an animal bite. The doctor who treats you decides whether it is necessary or not. He or she takes into account several factors.

• What is the animal?: The type of animal, such as a dog, cat, bat, or mouse.
• The nature of the wound: whether it was a bite, a scratch, or whether the animal's saliva was on the injured skin.
• Location of the injury: Injuries that occur close to the brain and in areas with a high concentration of nerves (face, neck, hands, fingers, genital area) are most at risk.
• Severity of the wound: Deep wounds that have pierced the skin, and wounds that are bleeding, are more at risk.
• The condition of the animal: Is it a pet that is kept at home and has been vaccinated against rabies on time, or is it a stray animal that has no owner? It is also important to know whether the animal can be observed for 10-14 days.

After considering all of this, only if the doctor feels that the risk of contracting the virus is high will this RIG vaccine be given in addition to the regular rabies vaccine.

What are the important things to inform the doctor about?

Before you are given the RIG vaccine, your doctor will ask you a few questions. It is important for your safety to be clear about these things.

• Bleeding disorders: If you have a bleeding disorder.
• IgA deficiency: If you have a deficiency of a type of antibody called IgA (IgA deficiency). This is a rare condition, but if you know about it, be sure to tell.
• Other vaccinations: If you have recently received any vaccine, or are scheduled to receive one soon.
• Anticoagulant medications: If you are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g., Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel).
• Allergies: If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a type of immune globulin, another medicine, food, or dye.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How is this vaccine given?

This is not a medicine to use at home. It is a vaccine that is only given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic .

The way the vaccine is given is a bit special. The doctor calculates the dose of RIG you need and injects as much of it as possible directly into and around the animal bite wound . That is the main point where the virus enters the body. The goal is to inactivate the virus there. If there is any leftover after that injection, it is injected into a large piece of meat, such as the shoulder or thigh.

Along with this vaccine, you will also be given the first dose of the regular rabies vaccine series, injected elsewhere in your body.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, the RIG vaccine can cause side effects in some people. However, most of the time, these are not serious.

Will there be problems with other medications?

Yes, there is one thing in particular that you need to be careful about. That is live virus vaccines .

RIG is a prepared antibody. So after you get this vaccine, if you get a live virus vaccine like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) or chickenpox, the antibodies in RIG can fight the weakened virus in that vaccine and destroy it. Then you won't get the immunity you want from that vaccine.

What if I take too much medicine?

Since this is administered in a hospital setting, there is absolutely no chance of receiving more than the prescribed dose. However, if you suspect something like this, immediately inform the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .

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