Quick Answer
Rabies is often overlooked because travellers focus on food, water and mosquito-related illnesses instead. However, rabies can be fatal once symptoms appear, and exposure can happen through dogs, monkeys, cats or bats abroad. Pre-travel vaccination may be important for higher-risk trips, rural travel, children or limited healthcare access.
Introduction
Many UK travellers remember to…
Quick Answer
Rabies risk is highest in many parts of Asia and Africa, especially where dog rabies is still present and quick access to post-exposure treatment may be limited. UK travellers should check destination-specific advice before travelling and consider rabies vaccination for higher-risk trips, remote travel, animal contact or long stays.
Introduction
Rabies is not something…
Quick Answer
Yes, the rabies vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated for most travellers. Common side effects are usually mild, such as arm soreness, headache, tiredness or mild fever. Serious reactions are rare. Travellers should still seek urgent medical care after any possible rabies exposure, even if vaccinated.
Rabies is rare in the UK, but…
Quick Answer
If you are scratched, bitten or licked on broken skin by a dog, monkey or other mammal abroad, wash the area immediately with soap and running water, then seek urgent medical care locally. Do not wait until you return to the UK. Rabies treatment may still be needed even if you were vaccinated…
Quick Answer
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is given before travel to prepare your immune system for a possible animal exposure. Post-exposure treatment is given urgently after a bite, scratch or contact with animal saliva. Travellers vaccinated before departure still require treatment, but it is normally shorter and does not usually require rabies immunoglobulin.
Rabies vaccination can be…
Do I Need a Rabies Vaccine for Thailand, Bali, India or Africa? A Guide for Rickmansworth Travellers
Quick Answer
You may need a rabies vaccine for Thailand, Bali, India or parts of Africa if you will stay for over a month, visit remote areas, work with animals, cycle, run, trek or travel with children. The vaccine is not automatically required for every visitor, so arrange an individual travel-risk assessment.
Planning a holiday to…