My husband loves animals. We have several dogs and cats. With this fondness comes an unavoidable incident of being scratched or bitten. But most of the time it’s either a neighbor’s pet or a stray dog or cat that is the culprit.
If you are scratched or bitten by a dog or a cat do not be afraid because:
1. Not all dogs and cats have rabies.
2. You have at most 14 days to get vaccinated and observe the animal that bit you.
Where to get Free Anti-rabies Shot in Cebu?
You have two options. The first is at the Cebu City Health Department – Animal Bite Treatment Center and the second one is at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Hospital.
Cebu City Health Department entrance.
How to get Free Anti-rabies Shot in Cebu?
Here is the step-by-step guide and procedure for dog or cat bite treatment in Cebu at the Cebu City Health Department – Animal Bite Treatment Center.
1. Do not panic. When you are bitten or scratched by a dog or a cat. Wash your wound with clean flowing water and soap for about 10 minutes. As mentioned, you have 14 days the most to get vaccinated, but the earlier you visit the Animal Bite Center the better. Also, observe the animal that bit you within that period. If the animal dies or you do not know the whereabouts then you inform the center so that you will get the additional passive anti-rabies vaccine which is totally free.
2. Visit your Barangay Health Center. Inform them that you will need an anti-rabies shot, and they will then give you a referral form. Also, ask them for an anti-tetanus shot. This anti-tetanus shot is free.
Barangay Health Center referral slip.
3. Go to the Cebu City Health Department – Animal Bite Treatment Center. Give your referral slip from the barangay health center to the security guard at the door of the building. It is highly recommended that you go there early in the morning because they have a limited anti-rabies shot slot every day. The security guard handouts the priority numbers and Animal Bite Center form by 6:00 am. A designated waiting area is available.
entrance to Cebu City Health Department – Animal Bite Treatment Center.
4. Listen to the orientation. It will start by 6:30 am or if there are already enough patients. The orientation together with filling out the Animal Bite Center Form lasted for 45 minutes.
Orientation and filling out the form.
Check these 2 scenarios:
4.1. Available anti-rabies vaccine. – You will just wait to be called for your turn for the interview.
4.2. Unavailable anti-rabies vaccine. – You will be asked to buy your own vaccine in certain pharmacies together with 4 syringes. The anti-rabies vaccine costs 1,100 php to 1,400 php. You need to have 2 vials to complete the 4 anti-rabies shots. It is okay to buy one on the 1st day and another one on the 2nd or 3rd visit.
List of pharmacies in Cebu where you can purchase Speeda vaccine.
There are times when the anti-rabies vaccine is unavailable in the center and you must buy your own. This is what happened to us. Based on our inquiry in several hospitals and clinics, it is still at Cebu City Health Department – Animal Bite Treatment Center that is economical to get an anti-rabies shot in Cebu.
We bought the vaccine at Botica Masa is located opposite (atbang) Vicente Sotto Hospital. In the corner parallel to Julie’s bakeshop. The rabies vaccine costs 1,190.00 pesos. Asked the pharmacist to add ice to the container of the vaccine.
5. Get an anti-rabies shot.
5.1. Available anti-rabies vaccine. – Wait for your turn to be called and injected with the free anti-rabies shot.
5.2. Unavailable anti-rabies vaccine. – After buying the vaccine, get back to the Animal Bite Treatment Center office and wait for your turn for the interview and anti-rabies shot.
Cebu City Health Department – Animal Bite Treatment Center
6. After the shot and the succeeding shots. You will be given a schedule of active immunization form that shows the rest of the schedule of your next anti-rabies shot. Usually, the 2nd dose is 3 days after the 1st shot, the 3rd dose is 7 days after the 2nd shot, and the last and 4th dose is on the 28th day after the 3rd shot. Make sure to visit during your designated schedule (date and time). Set a reminder to be able to not forget your schedule.
Cebu City Health Department – Animal Bite Treatment Center waiting and orientation area.
Frequently Asked Questions
* Some questions are from Cebu City Health Department – Animal Bite Treatment Center Facebook Page.
Question: Why do I need to get a rabies vaccine after getting bitten?
Answer: Rabies can kill you. This is for your own protection.
Question: How long do you have to get a rabies vaccine shot after being bitten?
Answer: You have at most 14 days to get the anti-rabies shot. But the earlier the better.
Question: How long is an anti-rabies shot good for?
Answer: Here in the Philippines an anti-rabies shot can last for 5 years. If you are bitten again within the span of 5 years, visit the Animal bite center for a booster shot.
Babes’s cat bites.
Question: I’m still a minor (below 18 years old). Can I go to the center by myself?
Answer: For your own safety and accuracy of the necessary information, we recommended that MINOR PATIENTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR PARENT. Otherwise, an affidavit of legal guardianship is required to be processed at the Cebu City Hall – Legal Office.
Question: Where can I have an anti-tetanus shot?
Answer: Kindly proceed to your nearest barangay health center for a free anti-tetanus shot and get a referral slip for the anti-rabies vaccination.
Question: I recently got vaccinated against covid. A few days after, I got bitten by a dog or cat. Can I still get an anti-rabies vaccination?
Answer: According to DOH guidelines, you still can be vaccinated against rabies.
Animal Bite Center office que to get rabies vaccine shot.
Question: I’m bitten by a snake! What to do?
Answer: Just relax. Snakes in Cebu are non-venomous. Only anti-tetanus shots can be given.
Question: Are you open on weekends and holidays?
Answer: Animal Bite Treatment Center is open from Mondays-Fridays only except on holidays. We operate during regular office hours.
Question: Can I have an online appointment?
Answer: We’re sorry but we do not do online scheduling. We only cater to 100 new cases per day so pls come to the center as soon as possible.
This is the form that the security guard will handout.
The overall experience is nothing but great. The process at the Cebu City Health Department – Animal Bite Treatment Center is fast and smooth. All the personnel from kuya security guard to the nurses are very helpful and accommodating.
We also visited the Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital ER and everyone there is thoughtful and considerate. The doctor kindly informed us that we can avail of the cheapest or even free anti-rabies vaccination shot at Cebu City Health Department – Animal Bite Treatment Center.
Sir and ma’am, thank you for your dedication and service to the public.
Cebu City Health Department Contact Information
Address: Gen. Maxilom Ext. Cebu City, Philippines 6000
Tel no: (032) 415 5170
Email: chd@cebucity.gov.ph
Facebook: Cebu City Health Department – Animal Bite Treatment Center
Have you experienced being bitten by a dog or a cat in Cebu? Share your experience in the comment below.
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