If you are planning an adventure abroad, travel vaccinations are likely on your checklist. While vaccines for Typhoid and Hepatitis A are common, the rabies vaccine (often called the “rabies jab”) is sometimes overlooked.
Rabies is a rare but extremely serious infection of the brain and nerves. Once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. The good news? It is 100% preventable, with the right vaccination and prompt medical care.
Below is key verified clinical information you need to know about getting your rabies vaccination at our private travel clinic in Ipswich, based on the latest guidance from UK health authorities.
What is Rabies and How is it Transmitted?
Rabies is a viral infection found in animals across the world, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.
It is transmitted to humans through the saliva of an infected animal. While most people associate rabies with dog bites (which account for up to 99% of human cases globally), you can also catch it from:
- Scratches from an infected animal.
- Licks on broken skin, or into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Other animals, including monkeys, cats, and importantly, bats. Even in the UK, a small number of wild bats carry a rabies-like virus.
Who Needs the Rabies Vaccine?
The rabies vaccine given before travel is known as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). According to the most up-to-date guidance, you should strongly consider booking a rabies jab if:
- You are travelling to an area where rabies is common (endemic).
- You will be taking part in higher-risk activities, such as running, cycling, or trekking, which can attract unwanted attention from dogs.
- You are staying abroad for a long time (more than a month).
- You are travelling to remote areas where access to immediate, emergency medical care and post-exposure rabies treatments may be difficult or delayed.
- You are working with animals.
- You are a child. Children are considered higher risk because they are more likely to pet stray animals, may not report a bite or scratch, and are often bitten around the face or head.
Note: The rabies vaccine for travel is not available on the NHS. It must be provided privately.
The Vaccination Schedule
Getting vaccinated before you travel simplifies your treatment massively if you are ever bitten. It means you will need fewer emergency injections abroad, and you won’t need a hard-to-find treatment called Human Rabies Immunoglobulin (HRIG).
The standard UK vaccine (such as Rabipur/Verovab) is given as an injection into the upper arm. The course requires three doses.
| Schedule Type | When doses are given | Who it is for |
| Standard Course | Days 0, 7, and 21 (or 28) | Recommended if you have enough time before you travel. |
| Accelerated Course | Days 0, 3, and 7 | For short-notice travel. |
*(Note: If you use the accelerated course and continue to travel to high-risk areas, a booster may be needed dependent on guidance from our healthcare professionals in our clinic).*
Plan ahead: You should ideally book your first appointment at least 4 weeks before you travel to complete the standard course easily.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Like all medicines, the rabies vaccine can cause side effects, though not everybody gets them. According to manufacturer data, the most common side effects are usually mild and settle on their own. They include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
- Headache or muscle aches.
- Fatigue or feeling generally unwell.
- A mild fever.
If you have a known severe allergy to egg proteins, let our clinical team know during your consultation, as some brands of the vaccine contain harmless trace residues from the manufacturing process.
What to Do if You Are Bitten or Scratched Abroad
Even if you have had your full course of pre-travel vaccines, you must still act immediately if you are bitten, scratched, or licked on broken skin by an animal abroad.
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- Wash the wound immediately
Do not delay. Scrub the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for several minutes. This is a crucial first step in physically removing the virus. - Apply disinfectant
After washing, apply a suitable disinfectant, such as a 40–70% alcohol solution or iodine. - Seek urgent medical attention
Even if you are fully vaccinated, go to a local hospital or clinic immediately. Do not wait until you return to the UK. Tell them you have been bitten and show them your vaccination record if you have it. You will require Post-Exposure Treatment (PET), which involves two further booster doses of the vaccine. - Keep all your records
Keep a written record of any treatments or vaccines you are given abroad, and contact your GP or NHS 111 as soon as you return to the UK to ensure your treatment was completed correctly.
Book Your Rabies Vaccine in Ipswich Today
Don’t let a stray dog ruin your trip. Our expert clinical team at Rainbow Pharmacy can assess your itinerary, discuss your risks, and provide your rabies vaccinations safely and conveniently.
Protect yourself before you fly.
- Wash the wound immediately
