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Travel health.
Clearly explained.

Rabies vaccine

Pre-exposure rabies vaccination prepares the immune system and simplifies treatment after a possible animal exposure, but urgent post-exposure care is still required.

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.

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

Suitable immunocompetent travellers

Dose 1Day 0
Dose 2Day 7

Three-dose pre-exposure course

When clinically required

Dose 1Day 0
Dose 2Day 7
Dose 3Day 21 or 28

Rapid Rabipur course

Eligible adults aged 18–65

Dose 1Day 0
Dose 2Day 3
Dose 3Day 7

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

Further information.

Information is general and does not replace a personal assessment, prescribing decision or the latest destination-specific advice.

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.