Before embarking on your travels, make sure to get a rabies vaccination to protect yourself from the deadly virus in case of any animal bites during your trip.
What is it?
Rabies is a viral disease that is spread by a bite or scratch from an infected animal, usually a dog. It affects the brain and spinal cord and once symptoms are present, it is nearly always fatal. Rabies is estimated to caused around 60,000 human deaths worldwide each year.
Risk areas
Rabies is endemic throughout most of the world.
Prevention
Contact with wild or domestic animals should be avoided by travellers. The following steps should also be taken following potential rabies exposure:
- Immediately wash wound with soap & running water for several minutes
- Apply a disinfectant to the wound such as iodine or 40-70% alcohol
- Apply a simple dressing to the wound
- Seek medical advice as soon as possible
Length of protection
- Infrequent risk – booster dose to be considered at 10 years post primary course
- Frequent risk – booster at 1 year and then booster every 3 to 5 years
Vaccine Schedule
Rabies vaccine is recommended for pre-exposure protection to travellers whose activities put them at increased risk. This includes:
- Those visiting areas where access to post-exposure treatment is limited
- Those planning high risk activities such as running or cycling
- Long-stay travellers (more than one month)
Rabies vaccine BP
- Schedule
- 3 doses: Day 0, 7 and 28 *
- Age Range
- From birth.
* The 3rd dose can be given at day 21 if insufficient time before travel.