Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies Vaccine
for Travel

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted to humans, typically through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly a dog. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making prevention and prompt post-exposure treatment critical. Rabies is found on every continent except Antarctica, with an estimated 60,000 deaths worldwide each year. The vast majority of cases occur in Asia and Africa, where access to vaccines and post-exposure treatment may be limited.

Vaccination Pricing

£90 Per dose
£180 per course of 2

Signs & Symptoms

The virus attacks the central nervous system causing, progressive damage to the brain and spinal cord.

  • Tingling or pain at the wound site

  • Headache

  • Fever

  • Anxiety or confusion

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Hydrophobia (fear of water)

  • Hallucinations or agitation

  • Paralysis and coma (in later stages)

  • Death

Hawne Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 0121 501 3518

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

177 Stourbridge Rd, Halesowen, B63 3UD

Bills Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01384 872117

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

29 High St, Kinver, Stourbridge, DY7 6HF

Millard and Bullock Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01902 883 182

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Castle Street, Bilston, WV14 9DD

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

Rabies is a rare but extremely serious viral disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation and, ultimately, death if not treated in time. It is caused by the rabies virus, typically transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs in regions where canine rabies is still prevalent. Other animals such as bats, raccoons, foxes, and monkeys can also carry the virus. Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why prevention through vaccination and prompt medical treatment following exposure is critical. While the disease has been eliminated in domestic animals in the UK, cases still occur abroad, and travellers to certain areas may be at risk, especially those spending extended periods outdoors or working with animals.

Rabies spreads primarily through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites, but also through scratches if contaminated with saliva. The virus travels through peripheral nerves toward the brain, often taking several weeks or months to produce symptoms. This incubation period offers a vital window in which treatment can be effective. Preventing rabies involves avoiding contact with wild or stray animals in high-risk areas, ensuring pets are vaccinated, and receiving pre-exposure vaccination if travelling to endemic regions or working in high-risk environments such as veterinary care or wildlife conservation. In the event of possible exposure, immediate and thorough cleaning of the wound with soap and water is crucial, followed by urgent medical evaluation and post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated.

Early symptoms of rabies are often non-specific and can resemble flu, including fever, headache, and general malaise. As the virus progresses, neurological symptoms begin to emerge, which may include anxiety, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations. In some cases, the disease manifests with muscle spasms, hypersensitivity to light or sound, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia, a fear of water that results from painful throat spasms. Paralytic rabies, a less dramatic form, causes gradual muscle weakness leading to coma and death. Once neurological symptoms have begun, rabies is almost always fatal, and treatment at that stage is supportive only. This underlines the importance of prevention and urgent medical intervention following any potential exposure.

Rabies vaccination provides good long-term protection, but the duration depends on the type of vaccination and the individual’s risk profile. A standard pre-exposure course consists of three doses given over several weeks. For most travellers, this protection lasts for several years, and boosters are recommended every three to five years if ongoing risk remains. For those with continued high-risk exposure, such as veterinary workers or laboratory personnel, regular antibody testing may be advised to ensure sufficient immunity. In the event of potential exposure, even vaccinated individuals require further doses as part of post-exposure treatment, though the protocol is shorter and simpler than for those who are unvaccinated.

Rabies is endemic in many regions across Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and some parts of Eastern Europe. The vaccine is particularly recommended for travellers visiting remote areas where access to urgent medical care may be limited or delayed. Countries such as India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brazil, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa report frequent cases of animal-transmitted rabies, especially from stray dogs and monkeys. People travelling for long stays, undertaking activities such as trekking, cycling, or caving, or working with animals in these regions should consider pre-exposure vaccination. Even for short-term travel, awareness of the risks and knowing where to get post-exposure treatment is essential.

The rabies vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated. Most people experience only mild side effects such as soreness or redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, tiredness, or minor muscle aches. These symptoms usually resolve within a day or two without any lasting effects. Occasionally, individuals may develop a small lump under the skin where the injection was given, which can take several weeks to disappear. Serious side effects are extremely rare but may include allergic reactions, in which case medical advice should be sought immediately. As the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the minimal risk of side effects, particularly in regions where rabies is a real threat, vaccination remains a vital preventive measure for at-risk travellers.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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The West Midlands Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

Contact us today to get your and your loved ones protected.

Same Day Appointments

We are pleased to offer same-day appointments at the West Midlands Travel Clinic, to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care when you need it most.

Expert Pharmacists

Our team includes expert pharmacists who are dedicated to providing you with personalised and professional healthcare advice.

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

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