In the case of a patient exposed to a rabid animal who has had previous vaccinations, what is the recommended treatment?

In the situation where a patient has been exposed to a rabid animal but has received previous rabies vaccinations, the recommended treatment involves administering rabies vaccine only on specific days, typically days 0 and 3 after exposure. This is part of what is known as the pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis protocol.

Individuals who have been previously vaccinated against rabies possess a certain level of immunity, which allows for a more simplified vaccination schedule following potential exposure. Unlike those who have never been vaccinated, previously vaccinated individuals do not require rabies immunoglobulin (Ig) and only need the booster doses of the rabies vaccine.

This streamlined approach helps in prompt immunization while also taking into account the patient's previous vaccination history, ensuring that adequate protective levels of antibody are maintained without unnecessary additional treatments such as immunoglobulin administration. Therefore, the protocol of providing the vaccine on days 0 and 3 is appropriate and effective for this scenario, reinforcing the immune response without overwhelming the system with an extensive treatment regimen.