World Rabies Day: Act Now—You, Me, Communities
September 28 marks World Rabies Day, a date that underscores a simple, life‑saving reality: vaccination is the best defense against a deadly disease. This year’s theme, Act now: you, me, communities, shifts the focus from individual action to collective responsibility. Health authorities and animal welfare groups alike are urging people to join forces—neighbors, volunteers, veterinarians, and local governments—to drive real change in our communities.
Why rabies vaccination matters
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is preventable with timely vaccination of pets and dogs. A robust vaccination program protects animals and, by extension, humans. Regular, annual vaccination schedules are essential, not optional, particularly in areas with stray dog populations. Vaccination drives also help identify and track animals that have been protected, using safe identification markers such as vegetable dye on vaccinated dogs to distinguish them from those that are unvaccinated.
Chennai’s vaccination drive: a regional example
Recent rabies‑related deaths and new policy directions have intensified vaccination efforts in Chennai. Staff and volunteers from Blue Cross of India plan to revisit Kannagi Nagar on World Rabies Day to conduct a camp for strays. Last year, they vaccinated strays in that area, and this year Avadi is a key focus, with a two‑day drive conducted on September 20–21. The People for Cattle in India (PFCI) aims to administer 100 vaccines on World Rabies Day—60 dogs and 40 cats from Ambatur and Avadi. HeavenForAnimals is preparing a large October drive that will kick off at a school in Chetpet before a mobile unit travels to different locations.
VinodKumaaar Sankara Panicker, general manager of Blue Cross of India, emphasizes the need for consistent vaccination. “Last year, we vaccinated 5,000 dogs and this year we plan to increase the count to 8,500 dogs, thanks to support from the HCL Foundation,” he says. Beyond fixed vaccination sites, teams also go door‑to‑door, vaccinating as many community dogs as possible.
What to expect at vaccination camps
Vaccination events are designed to be accessible and humane. In Chennai’s drives, dogs are marked after vaccination to track coverage, and efforts are made to reach neighborhoods outside major city limits. Cost and manpower remain barriers, especially for extensive outreach in poorer or more distant localities. Community members can help by supporting free camps or pooling resources to transport animals to a clinic for vaccination.
What to do if you or a loved one is exposed
Experts like Dr. Arun Pari, a veterinary consultant, stress the urgency of proper post‑exposure care. If bitten by a stray or potentially rabid animal, seek medical attention promptly. The rabies vaccine should be administered as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, along with a multi‑antigen shot as advised by health professionals. Ignoring the window of opportunity can have life‑threatening consequences, making rapid access to care crucial after exposure.
How communities can help today
Vaccination is a communal gift—protecting pets, reducing rabies risk for humans, and ultimately lowering the burden on healthcare systems. Community dogs deserve protection through consistent vaccination, whether at free camps, scheduled clinics, or by pooling funds to transport animals to vaccination sites. As Vinod K. Panicker notes, vaccination is not just about a single event; it is about sustaining immunity year after year. By supporting vaccination drives, individuals contribute to a safer, healthier neighborhood for both people and animals.
