Rabies is a viral infection which is usually transmitted following contact with the saliva of an infected animal most often via a bite, scratch or lick to an open wound or mucous membrane (such as on the eye, nose or mouth).
Rabies symptoms can take some time to develop, but when they do, the condition is almost always fatal.
Standard UK immunisation consists of 3 doses of Rabies vaccine on days 0,7 and 21 days+ and is what most travellers are familiar with and/or have previously had.
Some Travel Clinics can also offer a 2 visit course on days 0+7 to those who are medically appropriate. This is a World Health organisation approved schedule which is also licensed in the UK. A 2 visit course is considered a full primary course. It is repeatedly demonstrated in research as non-inferior (as effective) to a 3 dose course. This allows NHS Lothian to offer full rabies courses at a lower cost, over fewer visits.
For more information please see: Rabies Vaccine Info Sheet
