Should a child get vaccinated after a cat scratches the toe?

Question

Hi doctor,

My baby is 22 months old. Yesterday, a cat scratched his toe. But my child does not have a wound or blood there. Do I have to give vaccination to my baby?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

A cat has scratched your child, and it has not caused any barrier disruption or wound or bleeding. But still, it is advisable to clean the area with running water and soap. Apply some antiseptic in the area. Rabies is generally transmitted by animal saliva when it comes in contact with disrupted skin barrier and wound formed by the bite. In your case, you are safe from rabies, and rabies vaccine is not required.

The scratch caused by a cat generally causes cat scratch disease. It causes scratching of the skin barrier and makes a wound. This causes infection with some bacteria like streptococci. You should wash the area properly and apply antiseptic. If there is a wound, you must give antibiotics. A tetanus vaccine is required when your child is not adequately immunized till date.