Rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers with a significant exposure risk, including those visiting remote areas, working with animals, or undertaking activities such as cycling, running or trekking in countries where rabies is present. A pre-travel consultation assesses your itinerary and planned activities to determine whether rabies vaccination is advised, in line with UK Health Security Agency and NaTHNaC guidance.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral infection affecting the brain and nervous system, transmitted through the bite, scratch or saliva of an infected mammal, most often dogs. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal, but it is entirely preventable through timely vaccination and wound care. Rabies is present in most countries worldwide, with only a small number of rabies-free destinations.
Who Should Consider Rabies Vaccination?
Pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended for travellers spending extended periods in rabies-affected countries, those visiting remote areas with limited access to medical care, cyclists, runners, and people whose occupation or activities bring them into contact with animals. Children are often considered a higher-risk group because of how they interact with animals.
Vaccination Schedule
The standard pre-exposure course involves three doses, usually given on days 0, 7 and 21 to 28. Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies treatment if you are bitten or scratched abroad, but it does not remove the need for prompt medical assessment after a possible exposure.
After a Possible Rabies Exposure
Any bite, scratch or lick from a mammal in a rabies-affected area should be washed thoroughly with soap and running water immediately, and medical advice should be sought without delay, even in people who have previously been vaccinated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many doses of rabies vaccine are needed before travel?
The standard pre-travel course is three doses, given on days 0, 7 and 21 to 28. Your clinician will confirm timing based on your departure date.
Does the rabies vaccine mean I no longer need treatment if bitten?
No. Pre-exposure vaccination reduces the treatment required after a bite but does not remove the need for wound cleaning and urgent medical assessment.
Who is most at risk of rabies while travelling?
Travellers to remote areas, long-stay travellers, cyclists, runners, and those working with or around animals are generally considered at higher risk, though risk varies by destination and activity.
Is rabies vaccination available on the NHS?
Rabies vaccination for travel purposes is not routinely available on the NHS and is usually provided privately through a travel clinic.
Can rabies vaccination be given alongside other travel vaccines?
Yes, rabies vaccine can usually be given at the same appointment as other travel vaccines, subject to clinical assessment.
Sources and Further Reading
- NHS – Rabies
- UK Health Security Agency – Rabies: the Green Book, chapter 27
- NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro – Rabies factsheet
Clinically reviewed by Abrar Gill, MPharm, Berkeley Travel Clinic. Last reviewed: 1 August 2026. This information is general guidance and does not replace individual clinical assessment; book a travel health consultation for personalised advice.
