ไทย
Vaccination
Bitten or scratched by an animal on Koh Phangan?
Bites and scratches from island dogs, cats and monkeys bring people into the clinic every week. What matters most is how quickly the wound is washed and seen — not how big it looks.
First steps
What to do straight away
Wash it for 15 minutes
Soap and running water, immediately. It is the single most effective thing you can do yourself.
Do not wait to see if it heals
Even a scratch that barely bleeds counts. Timing matters, so come in the same day if you can.
Bring your vaccination history
If you have had rabies or tetanus doses before, the plan is different. A photo of your records is enough.
Note where and what
Where it happened, whether the animal was a stray, and whether anyone can keep an eye on it.
At the clinic
What the doctor does
Assess the wound
The doctor cleans and assesses the bite or scratch, and treats the wound itself.
Explain the plan
Rabies and tetanus vaccines are kept at the clinic. The doctor explains the schedule and which doses you need.
Dates you can keep
You leave with the dates written down, plus paperwork for your insurer or for a clinic back home.
Common questions
Animal bites — common questions
It was only a small scratch. Does that count?
Yes. How deep it looks is not what decides it. Get it seen.
I leave the island in three days — is it worth starting?
Yes. The doses follow a standard schedule, and you leave with the dates written down so you can continue elsewhere.
Which vaccines do you keep?
Rabies for animal bites, tetanus, dengue, influenza and travel vaccines — for locals and travellers alike. Message us first if you want to check before coming in.
I was bitten a few days ago. Is it too late?
Come in and tell the doctor when it happened. Do not decide that on your own.
Bitten today?
Wash it now, then come in — the same day if you can.
General information, not a diagnosis. If symptoms are severe or getting worse, see a doctor straight away.
