Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation and death if not treated before symptoms appear. It’s primarily transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs, but also bats, monkeys, and other mammals.

• Cause: Rabies virus from the Rhabdoviridae family.
• Transmission: Typically, via saliva entering broken skin or mucous membranes.
• Symptoms (once they appear, it’s nearly always fatal):
  • Fever, headache, anxiety
  • Excess salivation, difficulty swallowing
  • Muscle spasms, paralysis, confusion
  • Ultimately coma and death

Why Vaccination Is Important

You should consider a rabies vaccine before travelling to certain countries because:

• Medical access may be limited: In some regions, immediate access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) (a series of rabies shots after exposure) is unreliable.
• High animal exposure risk: Particularly where dogs roam freely, or where travellers are likely to encounter bats, monkeys, or wild animals (e.g., during hiking, biking, or caving trips).
• Pre-exposure vaccines do not eliminate the need for PEP but reduce the number of post-exposure doses required and simplify treatment.

Who should get vaccinated?

• Long-term travellers (staying >1 month in endemic areas)
• Those visiting remote areas
• Children (more likely to interact with animals and may not report bites)
• Adventure travellers or wildlife researchers

Countries with Higher Rabies Risk

Rabies is more common in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of higher-risk countries or regions where pre-exposure vaccination is often recommended:

High-Risk Countries for Rabies

• Asia: India, China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Mongolia.​
• Africa: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Ghana, Uganda, Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, Zimbabwe.​
• Latin America & Caribbean: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, El Salvador, Venezuela.​
• Middle East & Central Asia: Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan.​
• Eastern Europe: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia.​

Additional Considerations

• Cost: In the UK, the rabies vaccine is not covered by the NHS.
• Timing: Begin the vaccination series at least 3–4 weeks before travel to ensure full immunity.​
• Medical Access: In some high-risk countries, access to quality rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin may be limited. Pre-exposure vaccination can provide an added layer of protection.​

Rabies Vaccination Services at Church Pharmacy

Church Pharmacy provides the Rabipur Vaccine,

1. Easy Booking: Schedule your appointment online through our Travel Clinic – Travel Clinic – Church Pharmacy
2. Professional Consultation: Our experienced pharmacists assess your needs and provide tailored advice.
3. Efficient Service: Receive your vaccination promptly, with minimal wait times.​

Pre exposure prophylaxis avoids the need for Human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) which can be difficult to obtain and expensive.

A primary course consists of three does administered on days 0,7 and 28.

If time is limited an accelerated schedule can be followed with one dose administered on days 0,3 and 7. With this schedule however, for longer term protection, a 4th dose will be required after 12 months of the first dose.

Number of doses required: 3

View the Information Leaflet here.

https://churchpharmacyclinic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Rabies-Leaflet.pdf

Summary

• Rabies is fatal once symptoms start.
• Vaccination before travel is a smart precaution for high-risk destinations.
• Risk is highest in developing countries with limited healthcare and lots of stray animals.
• Even if vaccinated, immediate medical care after a bite is still critical.

Ensure your travels are safe and worry-free. For advice or to book your rabies vaccination get in touch with us – Travel Clinic – Church Pharmacy