Protecting you from infected animals

Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals. This is usually transmitted through a bite, scratch or if an infected animal licks your eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound.

Any mammal (an animal that suckles its young) can spread the rabies virus, such as dogs, bats, raccoons and foxes. In the UK, it’s only found in some bats.

Rabies is found throughout the world, but it’s very rare in the UK. Although the risk of getting it while travelling is small, rabies is more common in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America.

Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease nearly always causes death. For this reason, anyone who may have a risk of contracting rabies should receive rabies vaccinations for protection.

Every year, more than 15 million people receive a post-exposure vaccination to prevent the disease from breaking out after an animal bite. Many of those affected by human rabies are children, who are drawn to animals and often unaware of the dangers.

Before travelling, always ensure you are aware of the rabies risk at your travel destination. If you are travelling to a country with a high rabies risk, it is advised that you protect yourself with a preventative rabies vaccine.

Health Plus Pharmacy make the rabies vaccinations convenient and accessible for all the community in Cardiff and Pontypool. Book an appointment with your local Health Plus Pharmacist to keep you safe.

Check the risks of a country you’re travelling to on the TravelHealthPro website

About the rabies vaccination

The rabies vaccine is used to prevent an infection prior to travelling to a high risk area. It is also used to prevent the illness from spreading to the nervous system after an animal bite. As medical treatment is not always readily available in countries with a high risk, you may need to protect yourself with a rabies injection before leaving the country.

The vaccine we use to immunise against rabies is Rabipur which provides protection against the virus. Rabipur is a vaccine containing rabies virus that has been killed. After administration of the vaccine, the immune system (the body’s natural defence system) forms antibodies to rabies viruses. These antibodies protect from infections or diseases by the virus that causes rabies. None of the components of the vaccine can cause rabies.

Rabipur can be used in individuals of all ages.

Patient information leaflet Rabipur (rabies vaccination)

Rabies vaccination schedule

The pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered with an intramuscular injection and consists of three doses. The three doses need to be given within a specific time period, so you should begin the treatment at least one month before travelling. You will receive the second dose 7 days after the first, the third dose should be received on the 28th day. If there isn’t enough time then the third dose can be administered on the 21st day.

The rabies vaccine is given as injections into your upper arm.

Please book early before you travel, to ensure that you get the rabies vaccination.

How effective is the rabies vaccination

The vaccine is very effective - almost 100%. That is, it will stop nearly everybody who has had it getting rabies if they are bitten by an animal with rabies. The vaccine stimulates your body to make proteins called antibodies against the rabies virus. The rabies vaccine protects you for 10 years.

Who should have the rabies vaccination

You should consider being vaccinated against rabies if you’re travelling to an area of the world where rabies is common and:

• you plan to stay for a month or more, or it’s unlikely there will be quick access to appropriate medical care
• you plan to do activities that could put you at increased risk of exposure to animals with rabies, such as running or cycling

It takes up to 4 weeks to complete the vaccine course, so you need to start it at least 1 month before you plan to leave.

Pregnant women are advised to have the rabies vaccine if the risk of exposure to rabies is thought to be high and there’s limited access to medical care.

Use the TravelHealthPro website to find out if there’s a risk of rabies in the country you’re travelling to

People at increased risk for rabies

The rabies vaccination is also recommended for anyone at risk of being exposed to rabies through their job (paid or voluntary), such as:

• people who regularly handle bats
• people who handle imported animals, such as workers at animal quarantine centres
• laboratory workers who handle rabies samples
• veterinarians

If you think this applies to you, speak to your employer or occupational health provider. If you regularly handle bats in a voluntary role, speak to a GP or local Health Plus Pharmacists about the rabies vaccine.

Who cannot have the rabies vaccine

You should not have the vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to it or any of its ingredients in the past.

Extra precautions when travelling abroad

You should avoid touching animals while abroad and always seek medical help if you have been bitten. Although rabies is most commonly caught from dogs, the illness can be transmitted by all animals which carry the virus, including bats.

If you notice any bites or scratches after being in contact with an animal, wash the wound carefully and seek advice at a local hospital. If you are travelling with children, please ensure they are aware that they must not touch any animals.

Avoiding travel to a rabies risk area

If you have a contraindication to the rabies vaccine or the risk of serious side effects is high, and there is a significant risk of contracting rabies on your trip you are likely to be advised to cancel or change your travel plans. Healthcare practitioners are not obliged to administer rabies vaccine if they believe it unsafe to do so, or it is not required for your trip. If you have any medical conditions, it is best to seek travel advice before you book your trip.

If you have recently received the rabies vaccine and feel unwell please contact your GP or the 111 service if your GP practice is closed.

In a medical emergency, when someone is seriously ill and their life is at risk, dial 999.