Private vaccinations
Rabies
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination for travel and occupational risk.
About this vaccine
About Rabies
Rabies is almost universally fatal once symptoms develop, but is very effectively prevented by timely vaccination. Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies the treatment required after any subsequent animal bite or scratch — no rabies immunoglobulin is needed, and only two booster doses are required rather than the full post-exposure course.
Rabies is present in dogs, bats and other mammals across large parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
What it protects against
Protection
Rabies infection following exposure to a potentially rabid animal (in combination with prompt post-exposure booster doses).
How it's delivered
Delivery
Intramuscular injection into the upper arm.
Doses
Number of doses required
Pre-exposure: three doses, typically given on days 0, 7 and 21–28. An accelerated two-dose schedule (days 0 and 7) is also used for last-minute travellers per current UK guidance. After any suspected exposure, two further booster doses are required regardless of pre-exposure schedule.
Who should have it
Who should consider it
Travellers to rabies-endemic regions — particularly those going for extended periods, working with animals, cycling, running or trekking in remote areas, or travelling with children. Also recommended for occupational risk groups (veterinary, laboratory and bat workers).
Contraindications
Important information
Confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose or to any component of the vaccine. Pre-exposure vaccination should be postponed during acute febrile illness — but post-exposure vaccination should never be delayed.
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