The rabies vaccine provides pre-exposure protection against the rabies virus, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. A three-dose pre-exposure course is recommended for higher-risk travellers visiting areas where rabies is present.
£90 per dose — 3 dose course
Who it is for
Higher-risk travellers to areas where rabies is present, including long-stay visitors, those in remote locations and people with greater animal contact.
Number of doses
Three doses for the pre-exposure course.
When to have it
Complete the course before travel; ideally start three to four weeks before departure.
How long protection lasts
A completed course provides long-lasting immune priming; a booster may be advised for those at continued risk.
How it is given
By injection into the upper arm.
Price
£75 per dose
The rabies vaccine is a three-dose pre-exposure course that protects higher-risk travellers against rabies, a virus that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is recommended for those visiting rabies-affected areas of Asia, Africa and the Americas, especially on longer or remote trips. The pre-exposure rabies vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
Rabies is a viral infection spread through the bite, scratch or lick of an infected animal, most commonly dogs but also bats, monkeys and other mammals. Once symptoms develop the disease is almost always fatal, so prevention and prompt treatment after any exposure are critical.
The virus is present in many parts of the world, particularly across Asia, Africa and parts of Central and South America. Travellers can reduce their risk by avoiding contact with animals, but vaccination provides valuable additional protection, especially where medical care may be difficult to reach quickly.
The pre-exposure rabies vaccine is given as a three-dose course before travel. Having it does not remove the need for treatment after a bite, but it simplifies the follow-up care required and provides an important head start. Your travel health nurse will assess your itinerary and activities to advise whether it is suitable for you.
Course completed before travel
The three doses are given over three to four weeks, so it is best to start the course in good time before departure; an accelerated schedule may be possible.
High level of protection
Completing the pre-exposure course primes the immune system so that fewer follow-up doses and no rabies immunoglobulin are needed if you are later exposed.
Long-term priming
A completed pre-exposure course provides long-lasting immune priming, though prompt post-exposure treatment is still essential after any bite or scratch.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination may be advised for travellers to areas where rabies is present, particularly those staying for longer periods, travelling to remote locations, or undertaking activities with higher animal contact. It is especially worth considering for cyclists, runners, those working with animals and travellers far from reliable medical care. Your travel health nurse will assess your risk before recommending it.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination may be advised for travellers to countries where rabies is present, particularly where access to prompt medical care and rabies treatment may be limited. Your travel health nurse will assess your destination, length of stay and planned activities before recommending the course.
The pre-exposure course is given as three separate doses by injection into the upper arm, usually over three to four weeks. It is best to start in good time so the course is finished before departure, although an accelerated schedule may be possible for travellers who are short of time.
A completed pre-exposure course primes the immune system for the long term. It does not remove the need for treatment after a bite or scratch, but it simplifies follow-up care, reduces the number of doses needed afterwards and means rabies immunoglobulin is not required. A booster may be advised for those at ongoing or repeated risk.
The rabies vaccine is generally well tolerated and most side effects are mild and short-lived. Serious reactions are uncommon. If you have any concerns after vaccination, you can speak to our team or contact your GP or NHS 111.