Rabies Vaccine

When to book the rabies vaccine

The rabies vaccine is recommended for travellers to countries where rabies is common, particularly for longer stays in rural or remote areas. Consider it if you will be:

• Travelling to parts of Asia, Africa or Central and South America where rabies is endemic
• Cycling, hiking, camping or caving
• Working with or around animals
• Staying more than 24 hours from a reliable source of post-exposure treatment
• Travelling with young children, who are at higher risk of bites and may not report animal contact

High-risk countries include India, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Ethiopia. Complete the course at least two weeks before departure.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is found in more than 150 countries and causes tens of thousands of deaths a year, mostly in Asia and Africa. It has been eliminated from the UK, but travellers to affected regions remain at risk.

The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite or scratch. Dogs cause most human cases worldwide, though bats, monkeys, cats and raccoons can also carry it. It can also be transmitted if an infected animal licks an open wound or a mucous membrane. It does not spread from person to person under normal circumstances.

Vaccination schedule

The standard pre-exposure course is three doses over 21 to 28 days:

• Dose 1 on day 0
• Dose 2 on day 7
• Dose 3 on day 21 or day 28

If you have had a previous pre-exposure course, a booster is usually a single dose. Side effects are generally mild: soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, mild headache, slight nausea or dizziness, and mild fever or muscle aches for a day or two. Severe allergic reactions are extremely uncommon.

If you are bitten abroad

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, apply antiseptic or alcohol-based disinfectant, and seek medical attention immediately, even if you have been vaccinated. Post-exposure treatment must start without delay.

Pre-exposure vaccination matters because it removes the need for rabies immunoglobulin, which is extremely difficult to obtain in many countries, and reduces the number of post-exposure doses required.

Find rabies vaccination near you

Travel health consultations tailored to your itinerary, a vaccination record card, follow-up doses scheduled before departure, and flexible appointments including evenings and weekends. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy.