A new rabies vaccine has been developed which requires patients — who have previously been vaccinated — to take two booster shots of the medicine, compared to the previous four shots, after they have contracted the disease, according to the Thai Red Cross Society's Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute.
Dr Teerapong Tantawichien, assistant director of the institute, said patients who receive two shots will get the same benefits from the medicine as the previous vaccine.
The institute started developing the vaccine to make patients' trips to hospitals quicker and less expensive.
The reduced dosage will also allow hospitals and health centres to stock up on the vaccine.
At present, people bitten by a rabid animal after they have been vaccinated receive shots to both upper arms and upper legs.
Dr Teerapong said some children found it difficult to handle four doses of medicine, which was another reason why the institute started its research on rabies vaccinations two years ago.
However, before the new vaccine can be administered to the public, a human clinical trial must be conducted to test the dosage on patients who are suffering from rabies.
This trial will take from three to five years to complete and patients will have to wait in the meantime.
Dr Teerapong said that until the new booster drug is launched, people who have never received a rabies vaccine must take five doses and some will receive an anti-rabies serum.
After they have taken the original five doses and if they are exposed to rabies they will need to take four shots, not all five shots again.