Rabies vaccine whilst pregnant

[spydie]

In a moment of utter stupidity, I got bitten by a bat on Thursday night. Yes, here in the UK. Our cat bought it in, and I instinctively cupped my hands over it and it bit me.

111 sent me to a&e which was a waste of time as they stood around scratching their heads and were more concerned if I was actually pregnant... yes, here are my notes and erm bump (Im 17 weeks). I mentioned that I'd read that some UK bats can carry a virus in the rabies family but they sent me on my way with a box of antibiotics.

Phoned GP surgery in morning who were great, saw a Dr who got straight on phone to public health England, and they advised I needed a 5 dose course of vaccine starting immediately plus some human derived serum.

They all knew that I'm pregnant, but I'm worrying a bit have looked online and everything I have read says it's not contraindicated in pregnancy, but I'm worrying all the same. Seeing consultant in 3 weeks so will mention it then, but obvs that's too late by then. I've already had the first shot and 3 more next week.

I know I was utterly stupid, I should know better as we live in the sticks and have loads of animals... I know all about the risks and various diseases they can carry

I wouldn't worry if they've all said its safe, it'll be safer than risking rabies!

I think the risk is pretty negligible. I'm fairly sure less than 5 people have been affected by rabies in the uk in the last 20 years. That being said, the only place rabies is found in the UK is in wild bats! I wouldn't worry too much. It's extremely rare. I would however chase up that vaccination just in case!

We live right beside the country park in Glasgow (as in the back garden is IN the countrypark) and bats are common in our back garden.

We were alerted that if bitten we had to go to GP and they would call Health board up and confirm what's needed to be done etc.

Most people have had a rabies injection in their lifetime and they now say 1 dose is enough for a lifetime instead of every 10 years.

Pregnancy slightly different and better safe than sorry. What you can do is call consultant up and request earlier appointment and get advice etc - be prepared to explain why needed and maybe GP will do this for you?

Got bitten by my own dog a couple of years ago and had to go on antibiotics and rabies shot

I've already had the first dose, I have to have 4 more plus human rabies antibodies only apparent issue so far is an incredibly painful arm.

I'm just worried about the baby really. It was all signed off by a consultant virologist, and I'm sure they wouldn't if there was any real risk... but it's just that nagging worry!

I've just asked someone very close to me who is a doctor of 25 years, and he's stated it's routine and not to worry. Of course I would listen to your doctor also if they have a differing opinion. I think you'll be just fine.