Do You Need a Rabies Jab Before Travelling? Here’s What to Know

If you’re planning a trip abroad, especially to parts of Asia, Africa, or South America, you may need more than sunscreen and travel insurance—you may need a rabies jab. Rabies is rare in the UK, but as recent tragic cases remind us, it’s still a deadly concern for travellers if not properly managed.

At Bourne End Pharmacy, we offer a complete travel-vaccine consultation, including pre-exposure rabies jabs and expert advice. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself effectively.

 

What Is a Rabies Jab—and Why Does It Matter?

Rabies is a viral infection usually transmitted through bites, scratches, or licks from infected animals—most commonly dogs, but also bats, cats, and other mammals.

Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal. In the UK, there have been only a handful of cases—typically contracted abroad. A recent case in 2025 involved a traveller in Morocco who died after a scratch from a stray dog.

That’s why prevention matters—both before and after exposure.

 

When Should You Consider a Rabies Jab?

Before travel (pre-exposure vaccination):

You should consider getting a rabies jab if you’re travelling to high-risk areas and:

• -> Staying in rural or remote locations

• -> Planning outdoor activities such as cycling, camping, or running

• -> Expecting to spend time near animals (working with animals, volunteering, or exploring wildlife) 

After exposure (post-exposure treatment):

If you’re bitten, scratched, or even licked on broken skin by an animal in a risk area, immediate action is essential:

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.

2. Seek medical help immediately, either locally or upon your return.

3. Treatment typically involves rabies vaccine over several doses, and possibly rabies immunoglobulin (if you haven’t been vaccinated before).

Even previously vaccinated individuals should still seek medical attention—though they may only require booster doses.

 

How Effective Is the Rabies Jab?

• -> Pre-exposure vaccination plus booster doses provides very high protection.

• -> Single-course effectiveness ranges around 95% or more, especially when follow-up is timely.

• -> Prompt post-exposure treatment (ideally within hours) can prevent the disease in almost all cases, even if symptoms haven’t appeared yet.

 

Who Should Get the Rabies Jab in the UK?

You may be eligible for a rabies jab if:

• -> You’re visiting a high-risk country

• -> You expect to be in contact with animals

• -> You’ll be staying in areas without easy access to medical facilities

• -> You’ve previously had a full pre-exposure course (so you may only need a booster if it’s been over a year) 

Children, pregnant women, and those with mild immune suppression can usually receive the vaccine—unless they have had a severe allergic reaction to prior doses or components.

 

How Is the Rabies Jab Administered?

• -> Scheduled as 3 doses over a period of 7 to 28 days, depending on timing requirements.

• -> Administered intramuscularly or intradermally, depending on local protocol and batch availability.

If time is limited, an accelerated schedule may be used. Inform your provider of your travel dates so we can plan accordingly.

Rabies Jab at Bourne End Pharmacy

Here’s how we support your travel health:

• -> Consultation – We assess your itinerary, planned activities, and medical history.
• -> Vaccination – We administer the full pre-exposure course or booster shots as needed.
• -> Advice and Documentation – We provide written records and guidance on what to do in case of exposure.
• -> Follow-Up Planning – We remind you about booster doses or additional healthcare steps after returning.

We recommend booking at least 8 weeks before travel, so all doses can be completed in time.

 

What to Do If You’re Exposed Abroad

1. Immediately clean the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.

2. Disinfect the area with alcohol or iodine.

3. Seek urgent medical care locally—don’t wait until you return home.

4. Inform your doctor and pharmacy upon return to arrange follow-up doses or immunoglobulin treatment if needed.

 

Recent Case Reminder: A Tragic Warning

In June 2025, a UK woman died after a puppy scratch during a trip to Morocco. Although she didn’t realise the risk at the time, she developed rabies weeks later and unfortunately died as a result—reminding us that even minor contact with animals in high-risk countries can be fatal if timely treatment isn’t sought.

 

Stay Safe, Stay Protected

• -> Rabies is rare in the UK, but abroad it can spread rapidly and be deadly if untreated.

• -> A rabies jab can offer crucial protection, especially for long-term stays or frequent animal exposure.

• -> Immediate wound care and prompt treatment make all the difference after any exposure.

Visit Bourne End Pharmacy to schedule an appointment before you travel. We’ll help you travel safely with confidence.

This blog was written on behalf of Bourne End Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.