Rabies Vaccine
Our teams are professionally trained to provide you with the highest standard of treatments and services, so every time you visit, you leave with a positive experience.
Our teams are professionally trained to provide you with the highest standard of treatments and services, so every time you visit, you leave with a positive experience.
Rabies is one of the most dangerous viral infections in the world, with a near 100% fatality rate once symptoms develop. If you are planning to travel to a country where rabies is present, getting vaccinated before you go is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself. At Allied Pharmacies, we offer a comprehensive rabies vaccination service to help keep you safe during your travels abroad.
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. The virus belongs to the Lyssavirus genus and is found in more than 150 countries and territories around the world. According to the NHS rabies information page, rabies causes tens of thousands of deaths globally each year, with the vast majority occurring in Asia and Africa. While rabies has been eliminated from the UK, travellers visiting affected regions remain at risk and should consider vaccination as part of their pre-travel health preparation.
Rabies is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly via a bite or scratch. Dogs are responsible for the majority of human rabies cases worldwide, although bats, monkeys, cats, and raccoons can also carry and transmit the virus. Transmission can also occur if an infected animal licks an open wound or a mucous membrane such as the eyes or mouth. The virus travels along the nerves to the brain, where it causes inflammation and ultimately death if post-exposure treatment is not received promptly. It is important to understand that rabies cannot be transmitted from person to person under normal circumstances.
The standard pre-exposure rabies vaccination course consists of three doses administered over a 21 to 28 day period. The schedule is as follows:
It is recommended to complete the full course at least two weeks before your departure date to ensure adequate protection. If you have previously received a pre-exposure course and require a booster, this can usually be given as a single dose. Our pharmacists will advise you on the most appropriate schedule based on your travel plans and medical history, similar to how we tailor advice for our travel vaccinations service.
The rabies vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting countries where rabies is common, particularly those who plan to spend extended periods in rural or remote areas where access to medical facilities may be limited. You should consider vaccination if you will be:
Even if you are vaccinated before travel, you will still need to seek urgent medical attention if you are bitten or scratched by an animal in a rabies-affected country. However, vaccination significantly simplifies the post-exposure treatment required.
Getting vaccinated against rabies before you travel provides a crucial layer of protection. Pre-exposure vaccination means that if you are bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, you will need fewer doses of vaccine afterwards and will not require rabies immunoglobulin, which can be extremely difficult to obtain in many countries. This is especially important for travellers heading to remote destinations. We recommend combining your rabies vaccine with other essential travel health services such as antimalarials and vaccinations for hepatitis A to ensure complete protection for your trip.
If you are bitten, scratched, or licked on broken skin by an animal while travelling in a rabies-risk country, you should take immediate action. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, then apply an antiseptic or alcohol-based disinfectant. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you have been vaccinated. The NHS guidance on rabies treatment advises that post-exposure treatment should begin without delay. If you have not been vaccinated, you may require rabies immunoglobulin in addition to a course of vaccine doses, which can be very difficult to access in some countries. Pre-exposure vaccination removes the need for immunoglobulin and reduces the number of post-exposure doses required.
The rabies vaccine is generally well tolerated, and serious side effects are rare. Common side effects may include:
These side effects are typically short-lived and resolve on their own without treatment. Severe allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our pharmacists will discuss potential side effects with you before administering the vaccine and will monitor you afterwards to ensure your comfort and safety.
Rabies is present on every continent except Antarctica, but the risk is highest in parts of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Countries with particularly high rabies risk include India, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Ethiopia. The NHS rabies prevention page provides further guidance on assessing your risk before travel. Even countries with lower reported cases can still pose a threat, so it is always advisable to discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health professional.
Getting your rabies vaccine at Allied Pharmacies is straightforward and convenient. Simply book an appointment at your nearest Allied Pharmacies location, either online or by telephone. During your consultation, one of our qualified pharmacists will review your travel itinerary, assess your individual risk factors, and recommend the appropriate vaccination schedule. The vaccine is administered as an injection into the upper arm, and each appointment takes only a few minutes. We will provide you with a vaccination record card and schedule your follow-up doses to ensure you complete the full course before your departure.
Allied Pharmacies is committed to providing accessible, professional, and NHS-aligned travel health services across our network of pharmacies. Our team of experienced pharmacists stays up to date with the latest travel health guidance to ensure you receive accurate advice and high-quality care. We offer flexible appointment times including evenings and weekends to fit around your schedule. All vaccines are sourced from approved suppliers and stored in line with strict regulatory standards. We also provide a complete range of travel health services, so you can get everything you need for your trip in one convenient location.
If you are planning travel abroad, you may also benefit from our other travel health services. We offer a full range of travel vaccinations tailored to your destination, including protection against hepatitis B and Japanese encephalitis. Our pharmacists can provide expert advice on all aspects of staying healthy while travelling.
Do not leave your travel health to chance. Protect yourself and your family against rabies by booking your vaccination appointment with Allied Pharmacies today. Visit www.alliedpharmacies.com to find your nearest pharmacy, check availability, and schedule your rabies vaccination consultation. Our friendly team is ready to help you travel with confidence and peace of mind.
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