NO – Telemedicine doctors generally cannot administer rabies vaccination or rabies immune globulin — those require an in-person visit to a clinic, urgent care, emergency department, or public health site.
Here’s how it usually works:
✅ What telemedicine can do
During a virtual visit, a clinician can:
- They may prescribe antibiotics or wound care if you were bitten.
❌ What requires in-person care
These must be given face-to-face:
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Rabies vaccine series (post-exposure)
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Rabies immune globulin (RIG)
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Wound irrigation, tetanus booster, or suturing (if needed)
These products are typically stocked at:
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Emergency departments
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Some urgent cares
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County / state health departments
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Occupational health clinics (occasionally)
🚨 Seek same-day in-person care — don’t wait for telehealth — if:
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You were bitten or scratched by a bat, raccoon, fox, skunk, coyote, or stray/unknown pet
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A bat was found in your room while you were sleeping
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The animal cannot be found or observed for 10 days
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The wound is on the face, neck, or hands
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You have symptoms of infection or significant pain/swelling
Rabies is rare but almost always fatal once symptoms begin — timing matters.
🗓️ What to expect from treatment (overview)
Post-exposure prophylaxis typically includes:
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Day 0: Rabies immune globulin + first vaccine dose
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Days 3, 7, 14: Additional vaccine doses
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(Different schedule if previously vaccinated)
An in-person clinician will tailor this based on your history and exposure, most commonly at the Emergency Room.
