Timing
Ideally started at least 4 weeks before travel, as the full course is given over several weeks.
Typical course
Typically 2 or 3 doses depending on the schedule used, with pre-exposure vaccination simplifying treatment if a bite or scratch occurs abroad.
Often relevant for
- Rural South and South East Asia
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- parts of Central and South America
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is also almost entirely preventable, which is why clinics take any animal bite or scratch in a risk country seriously regardless of vaccination status.
Pre-exposure vaccination does not remove the need for urgent medical attention after a bite, but it simplifies the post-exposure treatment and can remove the need for rabies immunoglobulin, which is often hard to source abroad.
This vaccine is particularly relevant for travellers planning remote itineraries, long stays, work with animals, or activities like trekking and cycling where access to urgent care may be limited.
Not sure if you need this one?
A travel health consultation looks at your whole itinerary, not just one vaccine.
See our travel vaccination consultation service →Other vaccines