Rabies Vaccination
About Rabies
Rabies poses a serious danger to travellers and causes approximately 60000 human deaths per year.
It is usually spread through an infected bite or scratch from a rabid animal, most commonly through a dog bite. In other parts of the world other animals such as bats, monkeys and cats are a source of potential exposure to the disease.
Rabies is found in all continents of the world except Antarctica. There are more human cases of the disease in Asia, Africa and South and Latin America.
Popular affected travel locations include
- Asia
- Africa
- Central America
- South America
Available Treatment Options
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Rabies Vax or Rabipur - The course consists of three vaccines and should be taken 5 weeks or more before travelling.
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Accelerated course - Travelling at short notice? You may be able to have the third dose two weeks after the second.
Travelling abroad and not sure if you're at risk?
If you’re unsure about the vaccine, have any questions or want to find out what vaccines you need. We’re here to help, book your appointment online or call us on 0208 393 1000.
Top Tips for protecting against Rabies
When to get vaccinated: You should aim to get your first dose ideally five weeks before travelling to ensure you will be able to complete the course in time.
Course: The course consists of three vaccines. The second dose is given seven days after the first dose. The third dose should be given three weeks after the second dose.
Accelerated course: If you’re travelling at short notice, you may be able to have the third dose two weeks after the second.
Boosters: The rabies vaccine protects you for 10 years. If you are working with animals or are otherwise at a higher risk, more frequent boosters may be recommended.
How it is given: Injection in the upper arm. Side effects: The vaccine can cause mild side effects such as rash, a high temperature, nausea or muscle aches.
Risk if you contract the disease: Rabies is usually fatal. There is no cure for rabies
What are the symptoms of Rabies?
Symptoms of Rabies can start to appear within a few days up to more than a year after the bite happens. Early symptoms of rabies include pain, fever, and unusual tingling where the wound was. As the virus spreads to the central nervous system, progressive and fatal inflammation of the spinal cord and brain develops which can cause death.
Other symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
- Intolerance to noise and bright light
- Paranoia
- Irritability, anger, or depression
Rabies Vaccination Services at Miles Pharmacy
A course of the pre-exposure Rabies vaccine is available and recommended for all travellers visiting high-risk areas before travel.
The vaccine requires 3 doses of injections given over 21 days to provide complete protection. For last-minute travellers, you can opt for the accelerated Rabies vaccination series, whereby full protection is provided over 7 days.
Miles Pharmacy aims to make travel health protection accessible to all.
Rabies Vaccination Services are available at Miles Pharmacy in Epsom, servicing areas Banstead, Sutton, Stoneleigh, Cheam, Chessington, and Worcester Park. Our Travel Clinic is staffed by vaccine specialists who can provide advice on every aspect of travel health and safety.
Please contact us for more information on pricing.
Questions About Rabies?
Ideally, you should start the rabies vaccination series at least 5 weeks before your trip. This allows enough time for the full series of doses and for your body to develop immunity.
Yes, you will receive documentation of your rabies vaccination. This documentation is usually in the form of an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) or a similar official document. It’s important to keep this document safe, as you may need it for entry into certain countries.
It’s a good idea to bring your travel itinerary with you when you come for your vaccination appointment. This can help us ensure that you receive the appropriate vaccines for the countries you’ll be visiting.
Common side effects of the rabies vaccine include soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Some individuals may also experience mild fever or headache. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions. If you experience any concerning symptoms after vaccination, please seek medical attention.
In addition to getting vaccinated, it’s important to avoid contact with animals while travelling, especially in rabies-endemic areas. Do not approach or touch stray animals, and be cautious around wildlife. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical attention immediately, even if you’ve been vaccinated.
Around 95% of people who have 3 doses of the rabies vaccine will have some protection from rabies and typically the cover lasts between 1 and 2 years. If you’re unsure if you need a booster vaccine before travelling speak to a member of our pharmacy team.
