Rabies Vaccination

About rabies

Rabies is a rare but severe infection of the brain and nerves. It is usually caught from the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most often a dog. After exposure, the virus replicates in muscle tissue and spreads via the peripheral nervous system to the spinal cord and the brain. 

You should consider getting vaccinated against rabies if you're travelling to an area of the world where rabies is common and:

• You plan to stay for a month or more, or there's unlikely to be quick access to appropriate medical care

• You plan to do activities that could put you at increased risk of exposure to animals with rabies, such as running or cycling.

  
  

How can you get rabies?

Animals can spread the infection if they bite or scratch you or, in rare cases, if they lick an open wound or if their saliva gets into your mouth or eyes. Rabies is not spread through unbroken skin or between people.

While travelling in an area where rabies is a risk:

• Avoid contact with animals – some infected animals may behave strangely, but sometimes there may be no obvious signs they're infected

• Avoid touching any dead animals

If you're travelling with a child, make sure they're aware of the dangers and that they should tell you if they have been bitten, scratched or licked by an animal. Check them for any wounds if they come into contact with an animal.