🐾 Rabies Vaccine 

A pre-exposure vaccination series to protect against rabies — a deadly virus transmitted by animal bites and scratches.

🔍 What is it?
The rabies vaccine stimulates immune protection against the rabies virus, transmitted through the saliva of infected animals (e.g., dogs, bats, monkeys).

🧪 What does it do?

• Builds antibodies before exposure
• Reduces post-bite treatment needed

🔎 Note: Pre-travel vaccination doesn’t eliminate the need for treatment post-exposure, but simplifies it.

❓ Why might I need it?
🐶 Visiting areas with poor access to medical care
🦇 Risk of animal contact (volunteering, trekking, caves)
🛶 Adventure or wildlife travel

🧬 Conditions it helps prevent:

• Rabies virus (always fatal once symptoms appear)
• Encephalitis and respiratory failure

🩺 How is it given?
3 intramuscular doses on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28
Booster recommended after 1 year in some cases

💷 Typical Private Cost in the UK:
£120–£210 total for full 3-dose series

✅ Commonly Combined With:
Japanese Encephalitis, Hep A, and Tetanus booster
First aid kit for animal exposure

📚 References:
NHS Fit for Travel – Rabies
WHO – Rabies Prevention Guidelines
TravelHealthPro – Vaccine Recommendations