Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) has launched a new method for administering the anti-rabies vaccine to dog-bite patients. The vaccine will now be given intradermally (under the skin) instead of intramuscularly (into the muscle), making the process less painful and significantly reducing vaccine consumption.
Previously, patients received five doses of 0.5 ml each, totalling 2.5 ml of vaccine. Under the new method, patients will receive four doses of 0.2 ml each, totalling just 0.8 ml, saving up to 68 per cent of the vaccine per patient.
Tests have confirmed that immunity remains just as effective as with the older method. Dr Ajay Krishna, Head of the PMCH PSM Department, launched the intradermal method in the presence of the Superintendent and Principal.
Dr Krishna noted that this technique, already adopted in several other states, is now being implemented in Bihar.
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He explained that vaccine demand rises during the summer and monsoon seasons, especially in the Diara region, where jackals emerge from flooded areas, leading to an increase in bite incidents. On average, PMCH administers around 100 anti-rabies vaccines daily throughout the year.