Rabies vaccination (Pre-exposure Only)

The Rabies Pre-Exposure Vaccination Service from Ways Pharmacy is a private, pharmacist-administered three-dose course of inactivated rabies vaccine giving protection before travel, administered by appointment at our Holborn travel clinic, London (GPhC-registered), for travellers to rabies-risk regions.

Key facts

Who should consider it

• Travellers staying a month or more in high-risk areas, particularly where medical care is limited
• People doing activities with higher animal-contact risk, such as running, cycling, hiking or caving
• Travellers to remote regions where prompt post-exposure treatment may be hard to obtain
• People who work with animals or are otherwise at occupational risk

Not suitable for: people with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component; people who are acutely unwell with a fever on the day. This service is pre-exposure only and cannot be used for treatment after a bite — see the safety note below. The pharmacist will confirm suitability at your appointment.

How to book

1. Select the service and complete payment online.
2. Call Ways Pharmacy Holborn on 020 8106 7084 to arrange your appointment. Aim to start at least 5 weeks (ideally a month or more) before travel so the course can be completed.
3. At the appointment, the pharmacist reviews your travel plans and medical history and confirms suitability.
4. Each dose is administered into the upper arm; the remaining appointments are scheduled at the same visit.

Frequently asked questions

How many doses do I need?

The pre-exposure course is three doses: the first on day 0, the second 7 days later, and the third about 3 to 4 weeks after the first. If you are travelling at short notice, an accelerated schedule with the third dose two weeks after the second may be possible. The pharmacist will confirm your dates.

How far before travel should I get it?

Start ideally at least 5 weeks before travelling, and at least a month ahead, so you can complete the course in time. Booking early gives the most flexibility for spacing the doses.

Where do I get vaccinated?

The vaccine is administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist at our Holborn travel clinic, Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET, near the British Museum and Holborn station. You can read more on our Holborn branch page.

What if I am bitten or scratched abroad?

Pre-exposure vaccination does not remove the need for treatment after a bite. If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water straight away and seek medical attention urgently, as further post-exposure doses are still required. Pre-exposure cover simplifies and buys time for that treatment.

How long does protection last?

The pre-exposure course gives protection for around 10 years for most travellers. People working with animals or at ongoing higher risk may be advised to have boosters more often. The pharmacist will advise based on your circumstances.

Safety / who should not

• Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
• Pre-exposure only — not a substitute for urgent post-exposure treatment after a bite or scratch
• Not given to anyone with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component
• 15-minute observation period after each injection
• Common side effects (injection-site soreness, mild fever, nausea or muscle ache) are usually mild and short-lived

References

• NHS — Rabies
• TravelHealthPro — Rabies

* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and clinical exclusions apply. This is a private pre-exposure travel vaccination service and is not provided by the NHS. It is not a substitute for urgent medical care after an animal bite or scratch.