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Intradermal Rabies Vaccinein Southampton

Intradermal rabies vaccine

What is it?

Rabies is an almost invariably fatal viral infection after symptoms begin. Pre-exposure vaccination does not remove the need for urgent care after contact with a potentially infected animal.

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

  • Eligible travellers needing pre-exposure rabies protection
  • Groups where a licensed intradermal product and trained clinician are available
  • Travellers whose immune status and medicines do not make the shortened course unsuitable

Dose schedules

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

Licensed intradermal course

Eligible immunocompetent travellers

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

Two-site administration may be required at each visit according to the selected product.

Who may be eligible

  • People suitable for the selected product's licensed intradermal schedule
  • Travellers assessed by a clinician experienced in the technique

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
  • A shortened intradermal schedule is unsuitable for some immunocompromised travellers
  • Not every rabies vaccine is licensed for intradermal administration in the UK

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
  • Incorrect intradermal technique may produce an unreliable response
  • Urgent post-exposure treatment remains essential after every potential exposure

Clinical references

Frequently asked questions

What does the intradermal rabies vaccine protect against?

It provides pre-exposure rabies protection using a dose-sparing intradermal technique.

Who should consider the intradermal rabies vaccine?

It may be considered when a licensed product, trained clinician and suitable traveller are present.

How many doses of the intradermal rabies vaccine are needed?

A common eligible schedule uses visits on days 0 and 7, with product-specific administration at each visit.

Can I have the intradermal 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 intradermal 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.

How does intradermal rabies vaccination compare with intramuscular vaccination?

Intradermal (ID) vaccine is injected into the skin rather than the muscle. Skin immune cells help a smaller ID dose 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.