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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rabies symptoms can take some time to develop, but when they do, the condition is almost always fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information please see: Rabies Vaccine Info Sheet<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n