Rabies is an acute viral infection that is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. The spinal cord and the brain are especially susceptible to rabies. The rabies vaccine is strongly recommended to protect against developing the fatal disease. Vaccine dosages may vary depending on the severity of the infection. Find out how long the rabies vaccine lasts in West Midlands and why you need it before travelling abroad.
How long does the rabies vaccine last for a human?
Rabies is a fatal virus that can be transmitted through an infected animal's bite or lick but can be prevented with a vaccine.
After three doses, the rabies vaccine stays effective for up to three years.
Although, if you're going to be in an area where rabies is common, you are recommended to consult a travel clinic about getting vaccinated or revaccinated.
Since the full vaccination schedule might take up to 4 weeks, it's advisable to start at least a month before you leave.
After three doses, depending on the patient's risk profile, a booster shot may be necessary within three years.
Does the rabies vaccine give you lifetime immunity?
If you have been vaccinated against rabies but are still at risk of contracting the disease, you may need to receive further booster doses of the vaccine (for example, due to your occupation).
Also, if you were vaccinated against rabies more than a year ago but will return to a high-risk location, you should discuss receiving a booster shot with us. This may be needed to ensure your antibody levels are still strong enough to fight the rabies virus.
Are humans given a rabies vaccine in West Midlands?
Rabies vaccination ensures your safety against the deadly infection. You should still get medical aid immediately if an infected animal has bitten you.
After being exposed to rabies, a person only needs two more doses of the rabies vaccine, each of which should be administered at intervals of three days.
If you have never been vaccinated against rabies, you are required to receive four doses of the vaccine over the course of two weeks (given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14).
What are the exclusion criteria for the rabies vaccine in the West Midlands?
- Pregnant females
- If there is a high chance of exposure to rabies and maternity care is insufficient, pregnant women should get vaccinated against the disease.
- Individuals who have serious adverse reaction history
- People with autoimmune diseases or weakened immunity
- Individuals with a thyroidectomy history
- People with other specific medical issues
Where do they inject the rabies vaccine for humans?
The immunisation against rabies is given as an injection into the upper arm.
The vaccination is administered in three separate doses, with a gap of one month between each one.
Travelling to an area where rabies is prevalent requires a total of three doses of preventive prophylaxis to be administered.
Book your appointment at West Midlands Travel Clinic today.
