Rabies Vaccination

Rabies is a virus transmitted by infected animals. The majority of cases in the United States are from wild animals. But, some developing countries see rabies spread by strays and even domestic animals. The virus is almost always fatal once symptoms are present.

If you have been bitten by an animal seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms can take weeks or months to start showing. These can include:

• General weakness or discomfort
• Prickling or itching sensation around the bite
• Late stage – delirium, abnormal behavior and hallucinations

Rabies vaccination is the best way to prevent the virus.

To schedule a rabies vaccination appointment at your local Passport Health, call or book online now.

Rabies can stay dormant in an incubation period of weeks or months before showing any symptoms. Once symptoms set in, rabies is fatal. Initial symptoms are generally flu-like followed by anxiety, confusion, abnormal behavior and hydrophobia (fear of water). Symptoms often last from two to 10 days, ending in death.

Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is the best form of protection from the virus. Post-exposure vaccination is necessary to stop the rabies virus from taking hold and eventually killing the individual.

A rabies vaccine is usually recommended based on a traveler’s itinerary. If you plan on staying in a country with an elevated risk of rabies for more than two weeks, vaccination is recommended. It is believed up to 60,000 people die every year from rabies worldwide.

You should receive your first pre-exposure rabies vaccine at least 7 days before your trip. One booster dose is required within 7 days of the first dose. A third dose provided within three years provides lifetime protection.

Post-exposure rabies vaccination is given after a bite or other potential contamination. If you believe you have been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

The timing for rabies boosters varies based on the type of rabies vaccine you are receiving.

• Pre-Exposure – Within 7 days of the first injection. Within three years of the first dose for lifetime protection.
• Post-Exposure – 3 days after the first injection, 7 days after and 14 days after

If you do not complete the full set of doses, you are vulnerable to infection. If you are receiving post-exposure rabies vaccinations, missing a dose could allow the virus to spread in your body.

Be sure to receive a rabies vaccine before a long term trip or if you have been exposed to the virus. Book an appointment at your local Passport Health by calling or schedule online now.

Rabies is present in every continent except Antarctica. But, some regions pose a greater threat than others. Over 95 percent of human rabies deaths are in Asia or Africa.

Source: WHO

Regions with an especially high risk include:

• Central America – Mexico and Nicaragua
• Southern Asia – India and Indonesia
• South America – Peru, Brazil and Ecuador
• Africa – Higher risk to safari travelers
• Eastern Europe – Russia and the Baltics

Be sure to take precautions to avoid stray or wild animals in these areas. Vaccination may be recommended based on your itinerary.

Protection can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of vaccine received. Pre-exposure vaccination offers two years protection and is often recommended for travelers. Post-exposure rabies vaccination can provide as little as six months as it can vary with the vaccine received. Remember, the main purpose of post-exposure vaccination is to prevent full rabies infection, not protection against re-infection.

Both pre- and post-exposure rabies vaccinations are available at your local Passport Health. Call or book online now to schedule your appointment today.