What is the WHO Essen rabies vaccine schedule?

The Essen regimen is 5 intramuscular doses of rabies vaccine given on Days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after exposure. It is the most widely used post-exposure prophylaxis schedule in India.

What is the Updated Thai Red Cross ID regimen?

The Updated TRC intradermal regimen gives 0.1 mL at 2 sites on Days 0, 3, 7 and 28 — a 2-2-2-0-2 pattern. It is dose-sparing and WHO-approved.

What is the Zagreb 2-1-1 schedule?

The Zagreb regimen uses 4 IM doses: 2 doses on Day 0 (one in each deltoid), then 1 dose on Day 7 and 1 dose on Day 21.

What about re-exposure in a previously vaccinated person?

Previously fully vaccinated individuals need only 2 booster doses on Day 0 and Day 3. Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is not required.

When is Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) required?

RIG is indicated for all WHO Category III exposures (transdermal bites, scratches with bleeding, mucous-membrane contact) in previously unvaccinated persons. Infiltrate as much as possible into and around the wound.

Can the rabies vaccine be given in the gluteal region?

No. Rabies vaccine should be given in the deltoid in adults and the anterolateral thigh in children under 2 years. Gluteal injection reduces immunogenicity.

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Anti Rabies Vaccine Schedule

Generate WHO-recommended post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) schedule — Essen IM, Updated Thai Red Cross ID, or Zagreb 2-1-1. Auto-calculates dose dates from exposure date.

Exposure details

Patient name (optional)

Date of exposure (Day 0)

Patient vaccination status

Never vaccinated / incompletePreviously fully vaccinated

WHO exposure category

Category II — minor scratches/abrasions, no bleeding. Vaccine only.Category III — bite, deep scratch, mucosal contact. Vaccine + RIG.

Regimen

Essen (IM, 5-dose)

Intramuscular (deltoid) · 1 dose per visit

5 visits

Visit	Day	Scheduled date
#1	Day 0	Fri, 23 Oct 2026
#2	Day 3	Mon, 26 Oct 2026
#3	Day 7	Fri, 30 Oct 2026
#4	Day 14	Fri, 06 Nov 2026
#5	Day 28	Fri, 20 Nov 2026

RIG indicated: Infiltrate Rabies Immunoglobulin (HRIG 20 IU/kg or ERIG 40 IU/kg) into and around wound on Day 0, in addition to vaccine.

Wash wound thoroughly with soap and running water for 15 minutes. Apply povidone-iodine or alcohol. Do not suture immediately if possible.

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About Anti Rabies Vaccine Schedules

Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medical emergency. India accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths, so timely vaccination after dog/cat/monkey bites is critical. The WHO recommends three main regimens:

Essen IM (5-dose) — 1 mL IM into deltoid on Days 0, 3, 7, 14, 28. Most common protocol in Indian clinics.
Updated Thai Red Cross ID (2-2-2-0-2) — 0.1 mL intradermal at 2 sites on Days 0, 3, 7, and 28. Dose-sparing, used in busy ARV clinics.
Zagreb IM (2-1-1) — 4 doses across 3 visits (Days 0, 7, 21). Faster completion.
Re-exposure — Only 2 boosters on Day 0 and Day 3 if patient completed primary vaccination previously. No RIG.

Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is mandatory for Category III exposures in unvaccinated patients — HRIG 20 IU/kg or ERIG 40 IU/kg, infiltrated in and around the wound.

WHO Exposure Categories

Category I: Touching/feeding, licks on intact skin — no PEP needed.
Category II: Minor scratches without bleeding, nibbling on uncovered skin — vaccine only.
Category III: Single/multiple transdermal bites, contamination of mucous membrane, bat exposure — vaccine + RIG.

Related Free Tools

Anti Rabies Vaccine Schedule

Exposure (Day 0): 23 Oct 2026

Category: III · Status: Never vaccinated

Regimen: Essen (IM, 5-dose) (Intramuscular (deltoid))

Visit	Day	Date
#1	Day 0	Fri, 23 Oct 2026
#2	Day 3	Mon, 26 Oct 2026
#3	Day 7	Fri, 30 Oct 2026
#4	Day 14	Fri, 06 Nov 2026
#5	Day 28	Fri, 20 Nov 2026