Rabies vaccination can be especially worthwhile for solo travellers because it reduces your reliance on rabies immunoglobulin, which is in short supply in many countries, and gives you more time to reach the right care after a bite. When you’re travelling alone, there’s also no one else there to notice a small scratch or remind you to get it checked if you initially dismiss it.
Here, we’ll look at why rabies remains a real risk, who’s most likely to be exposed, and why a pre-exposure vaccine is worth considering before you set off.
Why Rabies Still Matters for Travellers
Rabies causes an estimated 59,000 deaths worldwide each year. Once symptoms appear, the disease is virtually always fatal, which is why preventing exposure and getting prompt treatment matter so much. Around 99% of cases are linked to dog bites, while the WHO reports that 95% of deaths occur in Africa and Asia, where many solo travellers and backpackers spend time.
Why Solo Travellers Face a Higher Rabies Risk
Backpacker rabies risk can be higher than it is on a typical holiday. Solo trips often mean spending longer away, taking remote routes, and getting closer to animals through outdoor activities or volunteering.
Remote Routes and Limited Medical Care
Rural areas and long-stay trips make it harder to reach a hospital quickly if you’re bitten, and rabies immunoglobulin is not stocked everywhere. TravelHealthPro notes that many countries have limited or no access to it.
Activities That Increase Animal Contact
Cycling, running, hiking and volunteering with animals can all increase your chances of being bitten or scratched. You’re simply more likely to come into contact with street dogs, monkeys and other animals that could carry the virus.
What the Rabies Vaccine for Travel Actually Does
The rabies vaccine for travel does not mean you can ignore a bite or scratch. You will still need medical treatment afterwards. However, completing a pre-exposure course can make that treatment much simpler. You will usually need two further vaccine doses and won’t need rabies immunoglobulin.
The Rabies Vaccination Schedule and When to Book
A full course of rabies vaccination is usually three doses given over 28 days, so the earlier you book before you fly, the better. The standard schedule looks like this:
- Day 0: first dose
- Day 7: second dose
- Day 21 to 28: third dose
If your departure date is getting close, an accelerated schedule over 21 or even 7 days may be possible. This needs to be assessed by a healthcare professional rather than decided by yourself.
What to Do If You're Bitten or Scratched Abroad
If an animal bites or scratches you or licks broken skin, wash the wound with soap and running water for several minutes straight away. Then seek medical help urgently, even if you’ve already had the rabies vaccine.
Book Your Rabies Vaccination Before You Set Off Solo
Ideally, sort out your rabies vaccination weeks before you fly rather than leaving it until the last minute. At Oakwood Pharmacy in Woodhouse Eaves, we assess your destination, activities and length of stay against current NaTHNaC guidance before advising on your rabies vaccine.
You can book your appointment to discuss your travel plans and find out whether rabies vaccination is suitable for you.
