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Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) in Bali —
Who Needs It, and What To Do Now

RIG in Bali: Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is used for eligible patients with a Category III rabies exposure who have not previously completed rabies vaccination. It should be given as soon as possible after starting rabies PEP, and no later than Day 7 after the first vaccine dose. Dosing depends on the RIG product used and body weight, and as much as possible is infiltrated into and around the wound. Dewa Medical can check current availability for same-day home-visit treatment in Bali. Cost typically IDR 10,000,000–15,000,000 per ampoule, with total cost depending on body weight since more than one ampoule is often needed. Open daily 9AM–9PM — after-hours WhatsApp requests welcome.

If a clinic or pharmacy tells you RIG isn't in stock, don't delay wound washing or the first vaccine dose while you search — RIG can still be given later, up to Day 7. Contact us to check availability and get assessed without losing time on the vaccine.

Same-Day
Home visits
9AM–9PM
Daily
Up to Day 7
RIG can still apply
Vaccine First
Never delayed for RIG

Dr. I Dewa Gede Angga Triadi Nata, GP · STR: VX00001499498410 · SIP: MR51032507002112

Guidance below follows current WHO rabies PEP position and CDC ACIP recommendations. Medically reviewed September 2026.

🚨 Dog or Monkey Bite? Do This Immediately

1

Wash the wound

Soap and running water for about 15 minutes. This is the single most effective first step.

2

Apply antiseptic if available

Iodine or alcohol-based antiseptic. Wound closure decisions should be left to the clinician who treats you.

3

Get assessed for PEP now

Contact a rabies PEP provider immediately for exposure assessment — don't wait to see if symptoms appear.

4

Don't wait on RIG to start the vaccine

The first vaccine dose should never be delayed just because RIG isn't immediately on hand.

Do You Need RIG?

WHO exposure categories, combined with prior vaccination history, determine whether RIG applies to your case. This is an assessment for a clinician, not a self-diagnosis.

I

Category I — No vaccine or RIG

Touching or feeding animals. Licking on intact skin. No skin break, no mucous membrane contact.

II

Category II — Vaccine, generally no RIG

Minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding; nibbling of uncovered skin. Vaccine is started; RIG is generally not required unless the clinician finds reason to escalate.

III

Category III — Vaccine + RIG (if unvaccinated)

Transdermal (skin-penetrating) bites or scratches, contamination of mucous membranes or broken skin with saliva, or a qualifying bat exposure. Wounds on highly innervated areas — head, face, neck, hands — may be prioritized for RIG when supply is limited, but location alone doesn't define the category.

Previously completed a full rabies vaccination course? RIG is generally not needed even for Category III exposure — only 2 booster vaccine doses (Day 0 and Day 3) apply. Bring documentation so the doctor can confirm.
Bat contact: Direct bat exposure can qualify as Category III, including situations where a bite or scratch is not visible (for example, waking to find a bat in the room). Medical assessment is required to determine whether PEP and RIG are indicated — this isn't something to rule out on your own.

When Should RIG Be Given?

  • As soon as possible — ideally alongside the first vaccine dose, on Day 0.
  • Up to and including Day 7 after the first vaccine dose, if RIG was not available on Day 0. This is the window recognized by WHO and CDC guidance.
  • Never a reason to delay the vaccine itself. If RIG isn't immediately available, start the rabies vaccine series right away and continue trying to source RIG within the Day 7 window.

This page describes general WHO/CDC-referenced guidance for information purposes. It is not a substitute for an in-person clinical assessment, which determines the exact protocol and timing for your specific exposure.

What Is RIG, and How Is It Different From the Vaccine?

Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)

Ready-made antibodies against the rabies virus.

Provides immediate, passive protection at the wound site.

Given once, as early as possible (up to Day 7 if delayed).

Only indicated for eligible Category III cases in unvaccinated patients.

Rabies Vaccine

Trains the body to build its own antibodies over roughly 7–14 days.

Given as a multi-dose series (4 doses if unvaccinated, 2 if previously vaccinated).

Should be started on the day of exposure, regardless of RIG availability.

Required for essentially all Category II and III exposures.

How RIG Is Dosed, and Typical Cost

Dosing depends on the specific RIG product used and body weight — there is no fixed amount regardless of size.

Dosing

Human RIG (hRIG): typically 20 IU per kilogram of body weight.

Equine RIG (eRIG), where used instead: follows a different, higher dosing schedule — the doctor will specify which product is used and dose accordingly.

As much of the calculated dose as anatomically feasible is infiltrated into and around the wound(s) — this is the priority.

Handling of any remaining product follows that product's specific instructions and the applicable clinical protocol — not a single fixed rule.

Typical cost breakdown

RIG, per ampouleIDR 10,000,000–15,000,000

Rabies vaccine, per dose≈ IDR 1,300,000

Home visit feeConfirmed on booking

Doctor consultationIncluded

Total cost confirmed before treatment begins.

Avoid Needing RIG With Pre-Exposure Vaccination (PrEP)

Completing a pre-exposure rabies vaccination course before any bite happens generally removes the need for RIG later — even after a Category III exposure — leaving only 2 follow-up vaccine doses (Day 0 and Day 3) if bitten.

See PrEP Schedule & Pricing

Common Rabies Exposure Scenarios in Bali

Illustrative examples of exposure types seen in Bali and how they're generally assessed — not records of specific patients.

Example — deep monkey bite to the hand, temple area

A monkey bite that breaks the skin and bleeds, on the hand, in a person never vaccinated for rabies, is a Category III exposure. RIG is generally indicated alongside the start of the vaccine series, with dosing calculated by weight and infiltrated around the wound.

Example — dog bite where RIG wasn't immediately available

A bleeding dog bite where the first clinic contacted had no RIG in stock. In this situation, the correct approach is to start the vaccine series immediately rather than wait, then continue trying to source RIG — which can still be given up to Day 7 after the first dose.

Example — possible bat exposure with no visible wound

Waking to find a bat in the room, with no visible bite or scratch, still warrants medical assessment — bat exposure can qualify as Category III even without a visible mark, and the decision on PEP and RIG is made by the examining clinician.

RIG Availability by Area in Bali

Doctor arrives with RIG (subject to availability), vaccine, and wound care supplies together. Typical ETA below — actual time depends on traffic, exact location, and current availability, and is confirmed before booking.

Canggu & Seminyak

Typical ETA 30–50 min — closest to our base clinic in Kerobokan.

Ubud

Typical ETA 45–70 min. High monkey-bite volume in this area.

Uluwatu & Jimbaran

Typical ETA 50–80 min. Temple monkey exposures are common here. Share a Google Maps pin for cliff villas.

Kuta & Legian

Typical ETA 35–50 min.

Sanur & Nusa Dua

Typical ETA 40–55 min. BIMC Nusa Dua is also an option for severe cases needing hospital-level care.

Already Started Treatment Elsewhere?

If you received the vaccine but not RIG, contact us — RIG may still be indicated up to Day 7 after the first dose.

Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) — FAQ

Is RIG available in Bali?

Dewa Medical can check current availability for same-day home-visit treatment. Stock varies by provider since RIG is imported and weight-dosed — the vaccine should never be delayed while checking.

Who needs RIG?

Generally, unvaccinated patients with Category III exposure — transdermal bites/scratches, mucous membrane contact with saliva, or qualifying bat exposure. Previously vaccinated patients generally don't need it.

Does RIG have to be given on Day 0?

Ideally yes, alongside the first vaccine dose. If not possible, it may still be given up to and including Day 7 after the first vaccine dose. It should never be a reason to delay the vaccine itself.

How is the dose worked out?

hRIG is commonly 20 IU/kg of body weight; eRIG follows a different schedule. Most of the dose is infiltrated directly into and around the wound; handling of any remainder follows the specific product's protocol.

How much does RIG cost?

IDR 10,000,000–15,000,000 per ampoule. Since dosing is weight-based, adult patients often need more than one ampoule, so total RIG cost depends on body weight — confirmed before treatment along with the vaccine dose and home visit fee.

Can I avoid needing RIG altogether?

Completing a pre-exposure (PrEP) vaccination course before any bite generally means only 2 follow-up vaccine doses if later bitten, with no RIG required.

Related Services

Medical References

Educational only — not a substitute for a doctor's assessment. Reviewed by Dr. I Dewa Gede Angga Triadi Nata, GP (STR: VX00001499498410) · September 2026.

Bitten or Scratched? Get Assessed Today

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WHO/CDC-referenced guidance · Same-day home visits · All Bali areas