Do you need a referral for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis?

Post-exposure prophylaxis is considered after a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva from an animal that could carry rabies. The clinician assesses the animal, the type of contact, the wound, and your vaccination history. Care may include thorough wound cleaning, rabies vaccine, and rabies immunoglobulin when indicated. A clinician decides which elements are needed.

Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water, then seek urgent medical assessment. Do not wait to observe yourself for symptoms or for an animal report if the exposure could be significant. Tell the clinician when and where contact occurred, the animal's species and behaviour, whether it can be safely identified, and whether the skin was broken. Bring vaccination information if available.

Seek care immediately after any possible exposure, including a minor scratch or saliva contact with broken skin or the eyes or mouth. Go to emergency care for a deep wound, uncontrolled bleeding, facial or hand exposure, or any rapidly worsening illness. Do not wait for tingling, fever, or other symptoms before getting advice.

Ask whether your exposure meets the threshold for prophylaxis, which vaccine schedule applies, whether immunoglobulin is needed, how the wound should be monitored, and where later doses should be given.