Rabies is one of the most serious infections a traveller can encounter. It is transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — usually dogs, monkeys, cats or bats — and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Although rabies is rare in UK travellers, animal bites and scratches abroad are extremely common. Access to urgent treatment (post-exposure prophylaxis) varies widely across the world, and in some regions it is limited or unavailable.
If you are travelling to a rabies-affected area, especially where reliable medical care may be difficult to access, pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended.
To check your destination’s risk level, see the official NaTHNaC rabies resource:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/20/rabies
Northfields Travel Clinic, based at Bramley Pharmacy, provides Verorab® Rabies vaccination with the latest 2-dose schedule for immunocompetent travellers.
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system — the brain and spinal cord. It is transmitted through:
Bites from infected animals
Scratches that break the skin
Licks to broken skin or mucous membranes
Bats (high-risk even when bites are not visible)
Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost universally fatal.
High-risk regions include:
Asia (India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines)
Africa
Central and South America
Eastern Europe
The Middle East
Most UK cases are in travellers visiting relatives in high-risk countries or long-stay travellers.
Even though rabies itself is rare, the risk of animal bites is high:
Dogs, monkeys and cats often approach tourists
Animals may appear tame or unwell
Children are especially vulnerable
Many bites are superficial — but still dangerous
Post-exposure treatment can be expensive or unavailable
Flight delays to access care can be life-threatening
Vaccination does not remove the need for medical treatment after a bite, but it simplifies treatment and improves survival.
Symptoms may appear from 1 week to 1 year after exposure.
Early symptoms:
Fever
Anxiety or restlessness
Tingling, burning or pain at the bite site
Progressive severe symptoms:
Confusion or agitation
Hallucinations
Hydrophobia (fear of water)
Muscle spasms
Paralysis
Coma
Death
Once symptoms start, survival is almost unknown.
Avoid contact with all animals, including:
Dogs (biggest risk worldwide)
Cats
Monkeys
Bats
Foxes, raccoons and other wildlife
Do not:
Pet roaming animals
Feed animals
Pick up “friendly” or injured animals
Allow children to approach animals
Wash the wound with soap/detergent + running water for at least 15 minutes
Apply iodine or alcohol-based disinfectant
Cover with a clean dressing
Seek urgent medical care for post-exposure treatment
Delay suturing until PEP has begun
Tetanus booster may be required
Even vaccinated travellers must seek medical assessment after any exposure.
We provide Verorab®, an inactivated rabies vaccine suitable for adults and children.
2 doses
Day 0 & Day 7
This is the updated WHO-aligned schedule and is widely used across the UK.
£95 per dose
Total: £190 for the full 2-dose course
Vaccination is recommended for travellers who:
Are travelling to countries where rabies is common
Will be trekking, backpacking or cycling
Will have prolonged outdoor exposure
Are visiting rural or remote areas
May not have quick access to medical care
Are volunteering or working with animals
Are long-stay travellers (1 month+)
Are children travelling to high-risk regions
Are at occupational risk (cavers, vets, wildlife workers)
Rabies vaccination is especially important where rabies immune globulin (RIG) is hard to obtain — common across parts of Asia and Africa.
Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies treatment:
You still need 2 further doses after exposure (Day 0 & Day 3)
No need for Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG)
You urgently require RIG + a full vaccine course
RIG is often unavailable in low-income regions
Delays can be fatal
This is why travellers often choose to vaccinate before travel.
Northfields Travel Clinic provides the Rabies vaccine on-site at Bramley Pharmacy, 261 Northfield Avenue, Ealing (W5).
Use our online booking widget to schedule your 2-dose course.
Protect yourself, reduce risk, and travel with peace of mind.
Yes. Verorab® is widely used worldwide and has an excellent safety profile.
Yes — but the treatment is simpler and does not require Rabies Immune Globulin.
Yes — it is strongly recommended for children visiting high-risk countries.
Two doses provide protection for several years. A booster may be advised after 3–5 years depending on risk.
No. The UK now follows the 2-dose pre-exposure schedule for immunocompetent travellers (Day 0 & Day 7).
No vaccine is 100%, but pre-exposure vaccination dramatically improves survival and simplifies emergency treatment.
NaTHNaC / TravelHealthPro – Rabies
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/20/rabies
WHO – Rabies Factsheet
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies
UKHSA (Green Book) – Rabies Chapter
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rabies-the-green-book-chapter-27
WHO Position Paper: Rabies Vaccines (Updated Schedules)
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-WER9425