Rabies Vaccine

Description

What is the Rabies Vaccine?

 

 

The Rabies vaccine (Rabipur®) helps protect against rabies, a serious viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system.

Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites, scratches, or licks to broken skin. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal, making prevention extremely important.

Rabies is found in many parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and some regions of Eastern Europe. Travellers may be at increased risk depending on their destination, length of stay, and planned activities.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of rabies infection when travelling to areas where the disease is present.

The Rabies vaccine is available following a travel health consultation with our qualified travel health team.

It is suitable for both adults and children.

 

 

What Does the Rabies Vaccine Protect Against?

The Rabies vaccine protects against rabies, a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system.

 

 

The virus is commonly spread through:

• Bites from infected dogs
• Scratches from infected animals
• Licks to broken skin or mucous membranes
• Contact with infected bats
• Exposure to infected wild animals

 

 

Risk levels vary depending on:

• Your destination
• Length of travel
• Planned activities
• Access to medical care
• Time spent in rural or remote areas
• Likelihood of contact with animals

Our clinicians will assess your itinerary and advise whether vaccination is recommended.

 

 

Who Should Consider the Rabies Vaccine?

 

 

The vaccine may be recommended for:

• Travellers visiting countries where rabies is common
• Backpackers and long-term travellers
• Adventure travellers
• Cyclists and motorcyclists
• Campers and hikers
• Children travelling to rabies-endemic countries
• Veterinary workers and animal handlers
• Humanitarian aid workers and volunteers
• Individuals visiting remote areas with limited access to medical care

Recommendations vary according to destination and individual risk factors.

 

 

Who May Not Be Suitable?

 

 

This vaccine may not be suitable if you:

• Have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients
• Are currently unwell with a high temperature
• Have certain medical conditions requiring individual assessment

Our clinicians will review your medical history before vaccination.

 

 

Vaccination Schedule

Rabipur® is administered as a two-dose pre-exposure vaccination course.

 

 

Primary Vaccination

• Dose 1: Day 0
• Dose 2: Day 7

This schedule provides pre-exposure protection against rabies and is suitable for most travellers.

Even after receiving pre-exposure vaccination, anyone bitten, scratched, or licked by a potentially rabid animal must seek urgent medical attention and may still require additional rabies vaccine doses following exposure.

The most appropriate schedule will be discussed during your consultation.

Ideally, travellers should begin vaccination at least 2 weeks before departure to allow time to complete the course before travel.

However, if you are travelling sooner, our travel health team can advise on the most appropriate course of action.

For the best possible protection, the vaccination course should be completed before travel.

 

 

Booster Doses

For individuals who remain at ongoing risk of rabies exposure, booster doses may be recommended.

 

 

First Booster Dose

A booster dose may be considered:

• 1 year after the primary vaccination course for individuals at continued risk of exposure.

 

 

Further Booster Doses

For travellers and individuals who remain at ongoing risk:

• Further boosters may be recommended based on risk assessment, travel frequency, occupational exposure, and current clinical guidance.

Your clinician will advise whether a booster dose is appropriate based on your vaccination history and future travel plans.

 

 

Benefits of the Rabies Vaccine

• Helps protect against rabies infection
• Reduces the complexity of treatment required after a potential exposure
• Recommended for travellers visiting many parts of Asia, Africa, and South America
• Suitable for adults and children
• Provides important protection for travellers visiting remote areas
• Administered by trained healthcare professionals

 

 

Travel Health Advice

Vaccination should be combined with measures to avoid animal bites and scratches.

 

 

Additional measures include:

• Avoiding contact with stray dogs, cats, and wild animals
• Supervising children around animals
• Avoiding feeding or handling unfamiliar animals
• Seeking immediate medical attention following any animal bite or scratch
• Washing bites and scratches thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
• Following local health advice
• Even if vaccinated, travellers should seek urgent medical advice after any potential rabies exposure.

 

 

Possible Side Effects

Like all vaccines, the Rabies vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

 

 

Common side effects may include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Mild fever

These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet provided at your appointment.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

How long before travel should I get vaccinated?

Ideally, you should begin vaccination at least 2 weeks before travel to allow time to complete the two-dose course before departure.

 

 

Does vaccination mean I don’t need treatment after an animal bite?

No. Even if you have been vaccinated, you should seek urgent medical attention after any animal bite, scratch, or potential exposure. However, pre-exposure vaccination simplifies the treatment required after exposure.

 

 

How long does protection last?

Protection is long-lasting following the primary course. Individuals who remain at ongoing risk may require booster doses depending on their circumstances.

 

 

Do I need a booster dose?

Most travellers do not routinely require a booster. Booster doses are generally considered for individuals who remain at continued risk of exposure.

 

 

Can I have this vaccine with other travel vaccines?

Yes. In most cases, the Rabies vaccine can be administered alongside other recommended travel vaccinations. Your clinician will advise on the most appropriate schedule.

 

 

Do I need the vaccine for my destination?

Requirements vary depending on your destination, length of stay, activities, and access to healthcare. Our travel health team will provide personalised advice during your consultation.

 

 

Are there any side effects?

Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, or mild flu-like symptoms.