Who should have the rabies vaccine
People who are travelling
You should consider being vaccinated against rabies if you ‘re travelling to an sphere of the world where rabies is common and :
- you plan to stay for a month or more, or there’s unlikely to be quick access to appropriate medical care
- you plan to do activities that could put you at increased risk of exposure to animals with rabies, such as running or cycling
It takes up to 4 weeks to complete the vaccine course, so you need to start it at least 1 month before you plan to leave.
Reading: Rabies – Vaccination
fraught women are advised to have the rabies vaccine if the risk of vulnerability to rabies is thought to be high and there ‘s express access to checkup care. Use the TravelHealthPro web site to find out if there ‘s a hazard of rabies in the country you ‘re travelling to .
People at risk through their work
vaccination is besides recommended for anyone at risk of being exposed to rabies through their job ( paid or voluntary ), such as :
- people who regularly handle bats
- people who handle imported animals, such as workers at animal quarantine centres
- laboratory workers who handle rabies samples
If you think this applies to you, speak to your employer or occupational health supplier. If you regularly treat bats in a voluntary function, speak to a GP about the rabies vaccine .
Where to get the rabies vaccine
You may be able to get a rabies inoculation at your GP operation, but you may need to pay for it. alternatively, you can pay for the vaccine at a private travel inoculation clinic .
Will I have to pay for the rabies vaccine?
You ‘ll normally have to pay for the rabies vaccine if you need it for security while travelling. The vaccine path involves 3 doses. Each venereal disease normally costs around £40 to £60, with a full class typically costing around £120 to £180. If you need the vaccine because there ‘s a risk you could be exposed to rabies through your job, your employer should be able to provide it for you free of appoint. Ask your employer or occupational health provider about this.
If you regularly wield bats in a volunteer character, you should speak to a GP to see if you are eligible for a rid vaccine .
How the rabies vaccine is given
The rabies vaccine is given as injections into your upper sleeve. You ‘ll need 3 doses of the vaccine, normally over a period of 28 days. If you ‘re planning to travel to an sphere where rabies is found, you should complete the fully course of 3 doses before you leave .
Booster doses
If you ‘ve been vaccinated against rabies before but you continue to be at risk ( for exemplar, through your job ), you may need further “ promoter ” doses to ensure you stay protected. Speak to your employer or occupational health provider about the promoter doses you might need. For travellers, 1 supporter venereal disease may be considered if you were vaccinated more than a year ago and you ‘re travelling to a bad area again .
Side effects of the rabies vaccine
After having the rabies vaccine, some people have impermanent discomfort, red and swelling at the injection web site for 24 to 48 hours.
In rare cases, some people besides experience :
- a mild high temperature (fever)
- a headache
- muscle aches
- vomiting
- a rash
The vaccines used in the UK contain an dormant ( all in ) shape of the rabies virus, so you can not catch rabies by being vaccinated .
page last reviewed : 09 January 2020
Next review due : 09 January 2023
