Rabies Vaccine for Travel available at Worcester Travel Clinic

Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Rabies Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted to humans, most commonly through the bite or scratch of an infected animal—typically a dog. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. Rabies in animals is found on every continent except Antarctica, with an estimated 60,000 deaths from the disease each year. The vast majority of these fatalities occur in Asia and Africa, where access to vaccines and post-exposure treatment is often limited. This makes rabies a significant global health concern, particularly in regions where stray animals are common and vaccination programmes are less accessible.

View all vaccine prices

Vaccination Pricing

£90 Per dose
£180 per course of 2

Signs & Symptoms

Fever and headache
Tingling, pain, or itching at the bite or scratch site
Muscle weakness or spasms
Difficulty swallowing
Excessive salivation or drooling
Fear of water (hydrophobia)
Confusion or hallucinations

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Claines Pharmacy 153 Ombersley Rd, Worcester, WR3 7BX

Book this clinic

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Evans Pharmacy 231 Worcester Rd, Malvern, WR14 1SU

Book this clinic

The Vaccination

Ages (Years)	Doses Required	Schedule	Time before travel	Boost required at
2 – 85	2	0, 7* days	Last dose up to day before*	2 – 10 years depending on risk
18 – 65	2	0, 7* days	Last dose up to day before*	2 – 10 years depending on risk

Vaccine most effective if given time to become active. Some immunity will be provided for this vaccine if given up to the day before travel.
* 3 doses required for immunocompromised individuals

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a rare but deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by the rabies virus, part of the Lyssavirus genus, and once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. Rabies is classified as a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. Although it is largely controlled in the UK through animal vaccination and surveillance programmes, it remains a significant health threat in many parts of the world. The disease can affect all warm-blooded mammals, and human cases usually result from contact with infected animals, particularly dogs, bats, and wild carnivores. Once the virus reaches the brain, it causes severe neurological symptoms and ultimately leads to death, making prevention and early intervention essential.

How does it spread and how to prevent it?

Rabies spreads through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via a bite or scratch that breaks the skin. It can also be transmitted if saliva comes into contact with mucous membranes, such as the eyes, mouth, or nose, or an open wound. The virus travels along the nerves toward the brain, a process that can take days to weeks, depending on the location of the exposure. Prevention is primarily achieved through vaccination—either pre-exposure for those at high risk, or post-exposure in the event of a bite or potential contact. Avoiding contact with wild or stray animals while abroad, particularly in regions where rabies is endemic, is also crucial. Travellers should seek immediate medical attention after any animal bite or scratch, even if they have been vaccinated, as post-exposure treatment is still required. Washing the wound thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible is an important first step in reducing the risk of infection.

What are the symptoms?

The initial symptoms of rabies are often non-specific and can resemble a mild viral illness, making early detection difficult. They typically begin with fever, headache, anxiety, and discomfort or tingling at the site of the bite. As the virus progresses and reaches the brain, neurological symptoms begin to emerge. These may include confusion, agitation, hallucinations, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, muscle spasms, and, in some cases, hydrophobia—a fear of water due to painful throat spasms when attempting to drink. Eventually, the individual may experience paralysis, loss of consciousness, coma, and death. Once clinical symptoms have developed, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why prompt post-exposure treatment is absolutely vital in preventing the onset of the disease.

How long does the vaccine last?

The rabies vaccine provides long-lasting protection, especially when a full course is completed. For individuals receiving the vaccine as a preventive measure before travel (pre-exposure prophylaxis), the standard course involves three doses given over several weeks. This protection is considered effective for several years, but a single booster dose may be recommended after one year for continued risk or exposure, particularly for those in high-risk professions such as veterinarians or wildlife workers. For general travellers, a booster is usually advised if more than ten years have passed since the initial vaccination and travel to a high-risk area is planned. Even if a person has been fully vaccinated, they must still seek immediate medical advice following any potential exposure for post-exposure booster treatment.

Countries I need the vaccine for

Rabies remains a public health concern in many parts of the world, and vaccination is strongly advised for travellers visiting regions where the disease is widespread, particularly in rural or remote areas with limited access to medical care. This includes large parts of Asia, particularly India, China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam; much of sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria; as well as regions in Central and South America. The vaccine is especially recommended for those at higher risk of exposure, such as long-term travellers, backpackers, those working with animals, and people participating in outdoor activities like caving or camping. It is also important for those travelling to countries where dog vaccination and rabies control programmes are limited or non-existent.

Vaccine Side effects

The rabies vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated, with side effects being mostly mild and temporary. Common reactions include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, along with low-grade fever, headache, dizziness, or fatigue. These symptoms typically resolve within a day or two. In rare cases, individuals may experience an allergic reaction such as a rash or swelling. Severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are extremely rare. The vaccine is considered safe for most individuals, including children and pregnant women, when the risk of exposure justifies immunisation. Overall, the benefits of the rabies vaccine far outweigh the risks, particularly given the fatal nature of the disease once symptoms begin.