Rabies vaccine
Rabies is a virus carried in animal saliva. It is passed on by a bite, scratch or lick to broken skin, most often from a dog, and bats can carry it too. Once symptoms start it is almost always fatal, but prompt treatment after an exposure prevents it.
- Course
- 3 doses
- Price per dose
- £100
- Start at least
- 4 weeks before
Your course, dose by dose
Day 0
First dose at your consultation
Day 7
Next dose
Day 21 or 28
Completes the course
Fly
Protected before you travel
Typical schedule shown. Your pharmacist confirms yours, and some courses can be speeded up.
Who it’s for
- Travellers going to areas where medical care and post-exposure treatment are hard to reach.
- Long-stay travellers (more than one month).
- Those planning higher risk activities such as running or cycling.
- People working with animals, and health workers who may care for infected patients.
- Children are at higher risk because they are more likely to touch animals and less likely to report a bite.
Schedule
- Standard course
- Three injections on days 0, 7 and 28. The third dose can be brought forward to day 21 if time is short.
- Rapid course
- Days 0, 3 and 7, with a fourth dose at 1 year. Used when there are fewer than four weeks before departure.
- Boosters
- Not routinely needed for most travellers.
- If you are bitten
- You still need two more doses, on day 0 and between days 3 and 7. Without the pre-travel course you usually need four doses over a month, and possibly rabies immunoglobulin, which is in short supply worldwide.
Good to know
- After any bite, scratch or lick to broken skin: wash the wound with soap and running water for several minutes, apply disinfectant, and get medical help locally straight away. Do not wait until you are home.
- Carry your vaccine record when you travel and keep details of any treatment given abroad.
- NaTHNaC has reported falsified rabies vaccine in India (2025) and the Philippines (2026), another reason to be vaccinated before you go.
Often advised for trips to
Common questions
If I have the rabies vaccine, do I still need treatment after a bite?+
Yes. The vaccine does not remove the need for treatment, but it makes it simpler: you need fewer doses afterwards and usually no immunoglobulin, which can be hard to find abroad. Wash the wound for several minutes and get medical help straight away.
How many doses of the Rabies vaccine do I need?+
The usual course is 3 doses (Day 0, Day 7, Day 21 or 28). Your pharmacist confirms the right schedule for you, and some courses can be speeded up if you are travelling soon.
How long before travel should I have the Rabies vaccine?+
Start at least 4 weeks before you travel so the course is complete and has time to work. If you are leaving sooner, call us on 01249 892813.
How much does the Rabies vaccine cost?+
£100 per dose, so £300 for the full course. Your consultation is included.
Do I need a GP referral?+
No. Book directly with us and bring details of any medicines you take and vaccines you have had before.
Can children have it?+
Many travel vaccines can be given to children. Minimum ages vary, and your pharmacist will check at the appointment.
Clinical content by Lyneham Pharmacy and Travel Clinic (GPhC registered pharmacy 9010716).