Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a perilous viral infection that is prevalent in numerous countries. The rabies vaccine is administered to prevent infection before travelling to areas with a high risk of rabies.
Prices
Price per dose: £95
Doses per course: 3
Price per course: £285
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About the vaccine
When to get vaccinated: You should aim to get your first dose ideally five weeks before travelling to ensure you will be able to complete the course in time.
Course: The course consists of three vaccines. The second dose is given seven days after the first dose. The third dose should be given three weeks after the second dose.
Accelerated course: If you’re travelling at short notice, you may be able to have the third dose two weeks after the second.
Boosters: The rabies vaccine protects you for 10 years. If you are working with animals or are otherwise at a higher risk, more frequent boosters may be recommended.
How it is given: Injection in the upper arm.
Side effects: The vaccine can cause mild side effects such as rash, a high temperature, nausea or muscle aches.
Children: The rabies vaccine can be given from birth.
Additional precautions: Avoid touching animals while abroad. If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, wash the wound and seek medical attention immediately.
Risk if you contract the disease: Rabies is usually fatal. There is no cure for rabies.
About the rabies vaccine
The rabies vaccine serves the dual purpose of preventing infection before travelling to high-risk areas and preventing the virus from spreading to the nervous system after an animal bite. Given that immediate medical treatment may not always be readily accessible in countries with a high risk of rabies, it is advisable to safeguard yourself with a rabies injection before departing.
The pre-exposure rabies vaccine involves an intramuscular injection and comprises three doses. These three doses must be administered within a specific timeframe, making it essential to initiate the treatment at least one month prior to your travel. The second dose is administered 7 days after the first, while the third dose is ideally given on the 28th day. However, if time is limited, the third dose can be administered on the 21st day.
Side effects of the rabies vaccine
The rabies vaccine can induce temporary side effects, with the most common ones being a mild fever, headache, muscle pain, and vomiting. Additionally, you may observe a rash or experience redness and swelling at the site of the injection. These side effects typically subside within 2 to 3 days.
Very common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):
– Headache
– Nausea
– Diarrhoea
– Muscle and joint pain
– Mild pain and redness at the injection site
– General malaise
– Chills
– Swollen lymph nodes
Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 100 people):
– Minor skin reactions, such as hives or a rash
– Shortness of breath
– Dizziness
– Abdominal pain
– Vomiting
– Bruising at the injection site
– Fever
It is essential to note that the rabies vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it does not contain live rabies virus. Consequently, you cannot contract rabies from the rabies vaccine.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a perilous viral infection that is endemic in numerous countries. According to the World Health Organisation, rabies leads to more than 55,000 fatalities annually, primarily in Africa and Asia. Unfortunately, there is no known cure or treatment for rabies. Once the infection has established itself, it is almost always fatal. Hence, if you plan to visit a country with a high risk of rabies, it is strongly recommended to safeguard yourself by receiving a preventive rabies vaccine.
Which countries have a high rabies risk?
Rabies is a global concern, with endemic presence in over 150 countries. This virus claims the lives of more than 55,000 individuals each year, primarily in the regions of Africa and Asia.
Rabies is transmitted from animals to humans, typically through an animal bite. Once the virus enters the bloodstream, it rapidly spreads to the brain and nervous system, giving rise to rabies symptoms, such as itching at the site of infection, fever, and an irrational fear of water. Rabies patients also frequently exhibit aggressive behaviour.
Annually, over 15 million people receive post-exposure vaccinations to prevent the disease from manifesting after an animal bite. Many of those affected by human rabies are children, who are naturally drawn to animals and often unaware of the potential dangers.
Countries with notably elevated rabies risk include all nations within the African continent, extensive areas of Asia, and substantial parts of South America. Prior to travelling, it is essential to be well-informed about the risk of rabies at your travel destination.
Avoiding animal bites
While abroad, it is advisable to refrain from touching animals, and if you have been bitten, it is imperative to promptly seek medical assistance. Although rabies is most frequently transmitted through dog bites, the virus can be carried by all animals, including bats.
If you observe any bites or scratches after coming into contact with an animal, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the wound and seek guidance at a local hospital. When travelling with children, it is essential to ensure that they understand the importance of not touching any animals.
Is rabies curable?
Rabies remains preventable even after a bite or scratch if post-exposure treatment is administered promptly. However, once the disease has manifested and the patient is displaying symptoms, it is nearly always fatal.