Rabies remains one of the world’s most serious viral infections, claiming an estimated 59,000 lives every year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Most cases occur in Asia and Africa, where access to vaccination and treatment can be limited.
Although rabies has been eliminated in the UK’s domestic animal population, travellers heading abroad can still face real risk through contact with infected dogs, cats, bats, or monkeys. A single bite or scratch is enough to spread the virus.
The rabies vaccination offers reliable protection before exposure, helping your body develop immunity so you can travel safely. It’s especially important for those visiting areas where healthcare may not be immediately available.
What is the rabies vaccination, and why is it important for travellers?
The rabies vaccine protects against a deadly viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system. Rabies spreads through bites, scratches, or saliva from infected animals such as dogs, bats, or monkeys. While rabies is rare in the UK, it is still common in many parts of Asia, Africa, and South America, making protection vital for travellers heading to those regions.
Getting a rabies vaccination before your trip offers peace of mind. It ensures your body develops antibodies to fight the virus if you are exposed. Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal, so prevention through vaccination is the safest option.
Where is rabies most common?
Rabies is widespread in rural parts of Asia and Africa, where stray animals are common, and access to medical care is limited. Countries such as India, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of Africa pose higher risks, especially for travellers spending extended time outdoors or working with animals.
Who should consider the rabies vaccine?
The rabies vaccine is recommended for anyone travelling to countries where rabies is present, particularly if they will be:
- Spending a lot of time outdoors, camping, or cycling
- Visiting remote areas with limited medical access
- Working with animals, such as vets or wildlife volunteers
- Travelling for long periods or moving abroad
How does the rabies vaccine work, and when should you get it?
The rabies vaccine helps your immune system build defences before exposure. It is given as a series of injections, usually over several weeks, to provide lasting protection.
Pre-travel vaccination in the UK
For travellers, pre-travel vaccination in the UK is the most effective way to stay protected. Ideally, you should start your course at least one month before departure to ensure full immunity. Our pharmacists can assess your travel plans and advise how many doses you’ll need.
Post-exposure treatment
If you have not been vaccinated and are bitten or scratched abroad, you will need urgent medical treatment that includes both the rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin. However, if you have already completed your pre-travel vaccination, you’ll only need two additional booster doses after potential exposure.
How can you prevent rabies and stay safe around animals while travelling?
Even after receiving your rabies vaccination, animal bite prevention remains essential to reduce the risk of exposure while travelling.
Tips for avoiding animal bites and scratches
- Do not pet or feed stray animals, even if they seem friendly.
- Keep children away from dogs, cats, or monkeys in unfamiliar places.
- Avoid contact with bats, especially in caves or rural settings.
- Clean any wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek medical advice promptly after any bite or scratch.
Our travel vaccination clinic can also give you practical travel health advice to help you reduce risk while abroad.
What are the possible side effects of the rabies vaccine?
Like most vaccines, the rabies vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated.
Common side effects of the rabies vaccine
- Mild soreness, redness, or swelling where the injection was given
- Slight headache or tiredness
- Low-grade fever or muscle ache
These reactions usually settle within a day or two. Serious side effects are extremely rare. If you experience any unusual symptoms, our pharmacists can advise on what to do next.
Aftercare and protection duration
Once you complete the full course, protection typically lasts several years. Boosters may be recommended if you travel often to high-risk regions or continue to work with animals.
Where can I get the rabies vaccine near me?
If you are planning a trip abroad, you can get your rabies vaccination at a local travel clinic in Reigate or pharmacies offering pre-travel health services. At Townsend Pharmacy, our trained pharmacists provide:
- Personalised travel health advice based on your destination.
- A full range of travel vaccinations, including rabies, hepatitis, and typhoid.
- Safe, quick, and friendly appointments with flexible booking options.
Whether you need routine travel vaccinations or animal bite prevention guidance, our experts ensure you are well protected before you set off.
Ready to stay safe on your next adventure?
Rabies may be rare in the UK, but it remains a serious threat in many parts of the world. If you’re planning travel to Asia, Africa, or other high-risk destinations, consider booking your rabies vaccination early.
Stay protected, travel confidently, and enjoy your journey without worry. Book your rabies vaccination appointment today at Townsend Pharmacy.
FAQs
You may need a rabies vaccination if you are travelling from the UK to countries where rabies is common, such as India, Thailand, or parts of Africa. Travellers spending time outdoors, working with animals, or visiting rural areas with limited medical facilities are strongly advised to get vaccinated before departure.
It’s best to start the rabies vaccination course at least four weeks before travelling. This allows enough time to complete all doses and build full immunity before potential exposure. However, if your trip is sooner, our pharmacists can still provide an accelerated schedule when suitable.
The standard pre-exposure course involves three doses, given over several weeks. Some travellers may need booster doses later, especially if they continue to visit high-risk areas or work with animals. Our travel vaccination clinic can confirm the right schedule based on your plans.
Yes. Even if you weren’t vaccinated before travel, post-exposure treatment can prevent rabies if started quickly. You’ll need both the rabies vaccine and, in most cases, rabies immunoglobulin. Seek medical help immediately after a bite or scratch from any animal abroad.
After completing the full vaccine course, protection usually lasts several years. Boosters are often advised every 2 to 3 years for those at ongoing risk, such as frequent travellers or people working with animals.
You can book your rabies vaccination at a travel clinic in Reigate or other local clinics offering pre-travel vaccinations in the UK. At Townsend Pharmacy’s travel clinic in Reigate, our friendly pharmacists provide convenient appointments, personalised travel health advice, and a full range of vaccines to keep you protected wherever your journey takes you.