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Rabies Vaccinein Southampton

Rabies vaccine

What is it?

Rabies is a viral infection of the nervous system, usually transmitted through the saliva of an infected mammal. Once symptoms begin it is almost invariably fatal.

A brief history

In 1885, Louis Pasteur's team used a rabies vaccine to treat Joseph Meister after a dog attack, a landmark in vaccination history. Preventing infection before symptoms develop remains central to rabies care.

How does it spread?

Infected mammals can pass the virus through saliva entering a bite, scratch, broken skin or the eyes or mouth. Dogs cause most human cases worldwide; bats and other mammals also pose a risk.

Symptoms and possible complications

Rabies attacks the brain and nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. After a possible exposure, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical care, even if vaccinated. Do not wait for symptoms.

Where it may be relevant

  • Travellers with possible contact with dogs, monkeys, bats or other mammals
  • Long-stay, remote, cycling, running, caving, veterinary or animal-work itineraries
  • Children and travellers where prompt reliable post-exposure treatment may be difficult

Dose schedules

The clinician will select the appropriate licensed schedule after reviewing age, health, previous doses and departure date.

Two-dose pre-exposure course

Immunocompetent travellers

Dose 1Day 0
Dose 2Day 7
ImmunityRisk-based; boosters may be needed

Three-dose pre-exposure course

Immunocompromised travellers or when clinically required

Dose 1Day 0
Dose 2Day 7
Dose 3Day 21 or 28
ImmunityRisk-based; boosters may be needed

Rapid Rabipur course

Eligible adults aged 18–65

Dose 1Day 0
Dose 2Day 3
Dose 3Day 7
ImmunityRisk-based; boosters may be needed

Product-specific and followed by exposure advice as usual.

Who may be eligible

  • Adults and children whose exposure risk justifies pre-travel vaccination
  • Previously vaccinated people needing specialist occupational or continuing-risk review

Who may not be eligible

  • Anyone with a confirmed severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a vaccine ingredient
  • People who are acutely unwell with a significant fever may need vaccination deferred
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, immune suppression and current medicines must be reviewed individually

Potential side effects

  • Pain, redness or swelling where the injection is given
  • Headache, tiredness, muscle aches or a mild fever
  • Feeling faint around the time of vaccination

Important risks and precautions

  • A severe allergic reaction is very rare and requires urgent treatment
  • Protection is not absolute, so relevant food, water, bite or exposure precautions remain important
  • The exact product and schedule must be confirmed during a clinical assessment
  • Every bite, scratch or saliva exposure still requires immediate washing and urgent medical assessment

Clinical references

Frequently asked questions

What does the rabies vaccine protect against?

It prepares the immune system against rabies and usually simplifies post-exposure treatment.

Who should consider the rabies vaccine?

It is considered when animal exposure is possible or reliable treatment may be hard to reach.

How many doses of the rabies vaccine are needed?

Many immunocompetent travellers receive doses on days 0 and 7; other schedules are used in particular circumstances.

Can I have the rabies vaccine close to departure?

Book an assessment even when departure is close. Whether vaccination can be completed or still provide useful protection depends on the product, previous doses and time available.

Can the rabies vaccine be given with other vaccines?

Many vaccines can be given at the same appointment, but spacing rules can apply to some live vaccines. The clinician will check the products, your history and the proposed schedule.

What is the difference between intramuscular and intradermal rabies vaccination?

Intramuscular (IM) vaccination puts a full dose into muscle; intradermal (ID) vaccination puts a smaller dose into the skin, where immune cells help it produce a strong response. Some studies of particular ID post-exposure or booster schedules found higher antibody levels than the IM schedules they compared. This has not been established for routine pre-travel courses, for which recommended ID and IM regimens produce broadly comparable responses.