How many times can immunoglobulin be administered after a tick bite? - briefly
A single dose of rabies immune globulin is administered at the initial post‑exposure visit; additional doses are not required under standard protocols.
How many times can immunoglobulin be administered after a tick bite? - in detail
A passive immunoglobulin preparation is given only once after a tick exposure that carries a risk of rabies or other immunologically preventable infections. The initial administration is performed at the time of wound cleansing, using the full calculated dose based on body weight (20 IU/kg for rabies immunoglobulin). No repeat injections are recommended unless a documented immunoglobulin‑related adverse reaction leads to incomplete absorption, in which case a second dose may be administered after clinical evaluation.
Additional doses are not part of standard prophylaxis because:
- The administered volume saturates the wound site; excess product provides no extra protective benefit.
- The active vaccine series, begun concurrently, induces the patient’s own antibody response, eliminating the need for further passive immunization.
- Re‑dosing increases the risk of hypersensitivity without improving efficacy.
If the initial dose is missed, the protocol calls for immediate administration of the full dose; a delayed or partial dose does not justify multiple administrations.
In summary, the regimen consists of a single passive immunoglobulin injection followed by a series of active vaccine doses (typically on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28). Re‑administration of the immunoglobulin is reserved for exceptional circumstances assessed by a qualified clinician.