Rabies Vaccine

Important if you’re travelling to areas where rabies is common, particularly if you’ll be around animals or far from medical facilities.

Rabies Vaccination at Oakwood Pharmacy – Woodhouse Eaves

Travelling somewhere adventurous? Whether you’re planning trekking, volunteering, or extended stays abroad, rabies protection is something you should not overlook. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but vaccination before travel can prevent it. At Oakwood Pharmacy, we provide safe, professional rabies vaccinations to help you travel with confidence.

What Is Rabies, and What Are Its Symptoms?

Rabies is a serious viral infection usually spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. It can also be passed on if infected saliva enters the eyes, mouth, or an open wound.

While rabies is extremely rare in the UK, it is more common in parts of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Dogs are the main source worldwide, though bats, raccoons, and foxes can also carry the virus.

Symptoms of Rabies

Rabies symptoms usually appear between 3 and 12 weeks after exposure, but they can develop sooner or much later.

Early symptoms may include:

• Tingling or numbness around the bite or scratch
• Fever
• Feeling anxious or unwell

As the infection progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and paralysis. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why prevention and early vaccination are essential.

Who Should Have Rabies Immunisation?

Rabies immunisation is recommended if:

• You’re travelling to a country where rabies is common.
• You’ll be in remote areas with limited medical care.
• You’re staying for over a month.
• You may come into contact with animals.
• Your work puts you at risk (e.g., vets, wildlife workers, and laboratory staff).

During your consultation, we assess your destination, activities, and duration of travel before advising on rabies protection.

Rabies Vaccine Schedule and Cost

The rabies vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm.

For travel, you usually need:

• 3 doses.
• Given over 28 days (standard schedule).
• Accelerated schedules may be available if time is limited.

A booster may be recommended if it has been over a year since your course and you remain at risk. Around 95% of people develop immunity after the full course.

The cost is £75 per dose (3 doses required). We will explain your schedule clearly and help you complete the course before travel.

How to Prevent Rabies While Travelling

Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your risk, but taking practical precautions abroad is equally important.

To help prevent rabies:

• Avoid touching or feeding wild or stray animals.
• Do not approach animals, even if they appear friendly.
• Supervise children closely around animals.
• Know where to access urgent medical care at your destination.

If you are bitten, scratched, or licked on broken skin, wash the area immediately with soap and running water for several minutes and seek medical care urgently, even if you have had the rabies vaccination.