Travel vaccine
Rabies
A pre-travel vaccine course that prepares your immune system in case of contact with an animal carrying rabies.
About rabies
Rabies is a viral infection of the nervous system that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is passed on through the saliva of infected animals, usually via a bite, but also through scratches or licks on broken skin. Dogs are the most common source worldwide, though bats and monkeys also carry the virus. The good news is that rabies is preventable, and prompt action after any exposure is highly effective.
The vaccine
Pre-travel vaccination involves a short course of injections. Having it before you go does not remove the need for treatment after a bite, but it simplifies that treatment considerably, buys you valuable time, and removes the need for a blood product that can be hard to find abroad. An accelerated schedule can be arranged when departure is close.
Practical travel advice
Avoid touching or feeding animals, supervise children carefully, and if you are bitten, scratched or licked, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical help straight away, even if you have been vaccinated. Pre-exposure cover is especially worthwhile for remote or long trips. Book a travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road, to talk through your plans. Call 01270 215837 or visit the pharmacy to book.
How it spreads
Passed to humans through bites, scratches or licks from infected animals, most commonly dogs but also bats, monkeys and other mammals.
Who should be vaccinated
Travellers heading to remote areas, long-stay visitors, those working with animals, cyclists and backpackers far from reliable medical care.
Vaccination schedule
Three doses over the course of about a month, with an accelerated option for those short on time
Boosters
A booster may be advised for those at continued risk; even when vaccinated, urgent treatment is still needed after any exposure.
Possible side effects
Soreness or redness at the injection site, headache or mild muscle aches that settle quickly.
Regions where there is a risk
Asia, Africa, Parts of Central and South America.
Rabies — frequently asked questions
Who needs the rabies vaccine before travelling?
The rabies vaccine is recommended for travellers heading to remote areas, long-stay visitors, and anyone working with or likely to be around animals. Cyclists, backpackers and those venturing far from reliable medical care should also consider it, along with travellers taking children. If your trip involves any of these, contact our Crewe travel clinic to discuss pre-travel cover.
How many doses of the rabies vaccine do I need and what is the schedule?
The pre-travel rabies course is three doses given over about a month. If you are short on time before departure, an accelerated schedule can often be arranged so you still complete the course before you fly. It is best to start as early as you can, so call 01270 215837 to plan your appointments around your travel dates.
How long does rabies vaccine protection last?
Pre-travel rabies vaccination gives lasting priming of your immune system, and a booster may be advised for people at continued or repeated risk. Importantly, even if you are fully vaccinated, you still need urgent medical treatment after any bite, scratch or lick from a potentially infected animal. The vaccine simplifies that treatment rather than removing the need for it.
How soon before travel should I have the rabies vaccine?
Ideally, start your rabies course at least a month before you travel so all three doses can be given on the standard schedule. If your departure is sooner, an accelerated course may be possible. The earlier you book, the more flexibility we have, so contact Crewe Pharmacy as soon as your trip is confirmed to arrange your appointments.
What are the side effects of the rabies vaccine?
Most people only notice mild effects from the rabies vaccine, such as soreness or redness at the injection site, a headache or some muscle aches, and these settle quickly. Serious reactions are uncommon. Because the course is spread over several visits, any minor discomfort tends to ease well before your next dose is due. Call us if you have any concerns.
Is the rabies vaccine free on the NHS or do I pay privately?
Rabies vaccination for travel is a private service and is not funded on the NHS, so there is a charge. At Crewe Pharmacy we offer it as part of your travel consultation. We will explain the schedule and costs clearly before you start, so you know exactly what to expect. Call 01270 215837 or visit us to book.
How much does the rabies vaccine cost at Crewe Pharmacy?
The rabies vaccine costs £75 per dose at Crewe Pharmacy. As the pre-travel course is three doses, this is worth factoring into your travel budget. We will confirm the full cost and your schedule during your consultation. To book, call 01270 215837 or visit us at 139-141 Nantwich Road, Crewe.
Which countries have a rabies risk for travellers?
Rabies is present across much of Asia and Africa, and in parts of Central and South America, where infected dogs are the most common source. Bats, monkeys and other mammals can also carry the virus. If you are travelling to these regions, especially rural or remote areas, pre-travel vaccination is well worth considering. Our team can advise based on your specific destination.