Only 55.1% take all 4 rabies vaccine doses in Chengalpattu

A study of 301 animal bite victims at an urban health training centre in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, found only 55.1 percent completed all four anti-rabies vaccine doses. The researchers recorded that 70.8 percent of the victims received at least three doses of the vaccine. Only 5 percent of the bite victims washed the wound with soap and water and applied an antiseptic after the exposure. Loss of wages and forgotten dates emerged as the most common reasons cited for missed vaccine doses. The study also noted that 83.4 percent of the victims followed food restrictions after the bite incident. The authors observed low adherence to proper wound management and incomplete vaccination schedules among patients attending the urban health training centre. They suggested that awareness gaps and socioeconomic barriers contribute to missed doses and inadequate first aid. The findings indicate a need for improved patient counselling and follow-up systems at the facility. The researchers recommended targeted health education to address wound care practices and vaccination completion rates in the community.