Rabies
At TravelJabs4U, we are committed to helping travellers stay protected when they venture abroad. One of the most crucial but often overlooked vaccines for travellers heading to certain parts of the world is the rabies vaccine. Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal viral infection, and getting vaccinated before travel can save lives. If you’re based in or around London and are considering destinations where rabies is a risk, the rabies vaccine in London should be a key part of your travel health preparations.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral infection that primarily affects mammals, including humans. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites, but also via scratches or if saliva enters an open wound or mucous membranes, such as the eyes or mouth. Once the virus enters the body, it travels to the brain, causing inflammation (encephalitis) and leading to symptoms such as fever, agitation, confusion, and eventually paralysis, coma, and death. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, which is why prevention through vaccination is critical.
How is Rabies Transmitted?
Rabies is transmitted from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal. In many cases, dogs are the primary carriers, especially in countries where rabies is not controlled through widespread animal vaccination. Other animals, such as bats, monkeys, raccoons, foxes, and skunks, can also carry and transmit the virus.
For travellers, the risk is particularly high when visiting regions with large populations of stray dogs or wildlife, such as parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe. Even a seemingly minor scratch or lick from an infected animal can transmit the virus, making it crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you’ve been exposed.
Why Get a Rabies Vaccine?
The rabies vaccine is an effective preventive measure, and while rabies is rare in the UK, it is still a significant concern for those travelling to at-risk regions. Once symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal, but vaccination can prevent the virus from causing illness, even after potential exposure. At TravelJabs4U, we recommend the rabies vaccine to travellers heading to high-risk destinations.
The vaccine works by preparing the body’s immune system to fight the virus if you are exposed. Pre-exposure vaccination is especially important for travellers who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or in rural areas, such as backpackers, cyclists, or those working closely with animals in veterinary, research, or conservation roles.
Who Should Get the Rabies Vaccine?
The rabies vaccine is not part of the routine vaccination schedule in the UK, but it is recommended for individuals in specific risk categories. If you are travelling to countries where rabies is common, particularly in Asia and Africa, or where medical care is limited, you should consider getting vaccinated.
In particular, the following groups are at higher risk and should prioritise rabies vaccination:
- Travellers spending a lot of time outdoors in rural areas, such as backpackers, campers, or cyclists.
- Veterinarians, animal handlers, or those working with wildlife in rabies-endemic areas.
- Children, who are more likely to interact with animals and may not report a bite or scratch.
- Long-term travellers or those moving to areas where rabies is a known risk.
If you fall into one of these categories and are based near Milton Keynes, getting your rabies vaccine in London at TravelJabs4U ensures you’re protected before you head off on your journey.
How Does the Rabies Vaccine Work?
The rabies vaccine is usually given in a series of three injections over a period of three to four weeks before travel. This is known as pre-exposure prophylaxis. If you are bitten or exposed to a potentially rabid animal, even if you’ve had the pre-exposure vaccine, you will still need to seek post-exposure treatment, but the number of doses required will be reduced, and the vaccine will be more effective in protecting you.
For those who haven’t been vaccinated before travel, urgent post-exposure treatment is required as soon as possible after a bite or scratch from a potentially infected animal. This treatment consists of a series of rabies vaccines and, in some cases, rabies immune globulin (a fast-acting form of protection) if the person has not received the pre-exposure vaccine.
When Should You Get the Rabies Vaccine?
Ideally, you should get the rabies vaccine at least one month before you travel, as this allows enough time to complete the full course of three injections. If you’re short on time, it’s still worth seeking advice from us at TravelJabs4U, as a modified schedule may be available.
We recommend booking an appointment as soon as you’ve finalised your travel plans. At TravelJabs4U, we offer flexible appointment times, making it convenient for you to fit your vaccination into your travel preparations.
What Are the Side Effects of the Rabies Vaccine?
Like all vaccines, the rabies vaccine can cause side effects, but they are generally mild and short-lived. The most common side effects include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
- Fever or headache.
- Fatigue or muscle aches.
Serious side effects are rare, but if you have any concerns, our team at TravelJabs4U in London will be happy to discuss them with you and provide professional guidance on managing any reactions.
Rabies in the UK vs Abroad
In the UK, rabies is extremely rare due to strict animal control measures and vaccination programmes. However, rabies still exists in some wildlife, particularly bats, and imported cases from abroad have been documented. For travellers heading to high-risk regions, the rabies vaccine is an essential preventive measure. In many countries, the infrastructure for rabies treatment can be limited, and accessing post-exposure care may not be immediate, which is why prevention is the best approach.
What to Do If You Are Bitten While Travelling
Even if you’ve had the rabies vaccine in London before travelling, you must still seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal while abroad. The rabies vaccine provides pre-exposure protection, but further doses will be required to ensure the virus doesn’t take hold.
When abroad, it’s essential to:
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
- Apply an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
- Seek medical advice immediately, even if the bite or scratch seems minor.
In some areas, post-exposure treatment may not be available or may be of poor quality, which is why receiving the vaccine before you travel is so important.
Booking Your Rabies Vaccine in Milton Keynes
At TravelJabs4U, we make it easy to get your rabies vaccine in Milton Keynes. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is on hand to provide expert advice, administer your vaccine, and answer any questions you may have about protecting yourself from rabies while travelling. Whether you’re planning a short holiday or an extended stay in a high-risk country, we are here to help ensure your trip is as safe as possible.
Don’t leave your health to chance. Book your rabies vaccination at TravelJabs4U in Milton Keynes today and travel with peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to protect yourself from this deadly disease. We also offer a range of other vaccines tailored to your travel destination, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your trip.
Protect yourself, stay safe, and travel confidently with TravelJabs4U.