Rabies Vaccination
Rabies is an illness that can be passed from animals to humans leading to significant swelling in the brain and spinal cord.
Due to the nationwide shortage of rabies vaccines, it’s advisable to call ahead and confirm availability.
Travel Vaccinations
Per Dose
Course
Rabies ID
£72 per dose
3 Doses
Rabies IM
£79 per dose
3 Doses
Prevention
Travelers heading to regions, with high rabies risk are recommended to get a set of three vaccine doses for protection.
In case of rabies exposure prompt medical help is crucial regardless of pre-exposure shots.
Countries at Risk
Rabies can be found around the globe with more than 15 million individuals encountering potentially rabid animals every year leading to around 40,000 to 70,000 deaths annually. Places like mainland Europe, the UK, Australia, North America, and Japan are considered low-risk areas. Nevertheless traveling to regions in the world poses some degree of risk for exposure to rabies.
Travel Precautions
The rabies virus can be transmitted by infected mammals through bites, scratches, or even licks on broken skin. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid contact with animals in high-risk areas. All mammals, including skunks, jackals, mongooses, foxes, raccoons, dogs, cats, monkeys, and bats, are susceptible to the virus.
Dogs are responsible for the majority of human rabies deaths, particularly in Southeast, East, and Central Asia, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. In the USA and Canada, bats are the leading cause of human rabies deaths, and they have also recently emerged as a health threat in Western Europe, South and Central America, and Australia.
Rabies FAQs
Rabies Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions
Why get a Rabies vaccine?
Travelers going to areas in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America where rabies is common should make sure to get the rabies vaccine. This is particularly crucial for those taking part in activities that involve contact with domestic animals.
How long does Rabies vaccine offer protection?
Getting a rabies shot offers protection for a period usually lasting 1 to 3 years. Once this duration is up a booster shot might be necessary to maintain immunity.
Do I need a Rabies booster?
Its usually advised to get a rabies booster shot every 1 to 3 years depending on your risk factors and chances of being exposed.
Which countries are classified as risk for Rabies?
Countries with risk levels include regions in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America particularly those hosting significant populations of roaming dogs.
What is the cost of the rabies vaccine?
The price of the rabies vaccine can differ depending on where you get it from. For example, at Happy Jabs the intramuscular vaccine costs £79 per dose (requiring three doses). The intradermal vaccine is also priced at £79 per dose (with three doses needed). Typically the NHS does not cover this vaccine for travel purposes.
Where can I get a rabies vaccination nearby?
We have rabies vaccine facilities across the country. Here are some of the clinics where you can get the vaccine:
Glasgow