In short: Rabies is a viral infection spread mainly through bites, scratches or licks from infected animals, most often dogs, and it is almost always fatal once symptoms start. Pre-travel vaccination is usually a course of injections over one to four weeks, and is recommended after a risk assessment for people such as long-stay travellers, those doing outdoor activities, animal workers and anyone going where urgent medical care is hard to reach. Even if you are vaccinated, you still need prompt medical treatment after any possible exposure.

This guide, reviewed by Ready Health clinicians, explains who should consider rabies vaccination, how the course works, and what to do if you are bitten abroad, for travellers from Wigan, Standish and the surrounding area.

What is rabies and where is it a risk?

Rabies affects the brain and nervous system. It is found in many countries across Asia, Africa, Central and South America and parts of Europe and the Middle East. Dogs cause most human cases worldwide, but cats, monkeys, bats and other mammals can also spread it. In the UK, a rabies-like virus is found in some bats, so anyone handling bats should take advice.

The time between exposure and symptoms can be weeks to months, which is why treatment straight after a bite or scratch is so important.

Who should have a rabies vaccine before travel?

A travel health professional will assess your trip. Vaccination is often advised if you are:

Travelling to a country with rabies where you may not be able to get post-exposure treatment quickly.
Staying for a long period (generally more than a month).
Taking part in activities that increase the risk of animal contact, such as cycling, running, trekking or caving.
Working with animals, for example vets, animal handlers or volunteers.
Travelling with children, who are more likely to touch animals and may not report a bite or scratch.

How does the rabies vaccine schedule work?

Schedule	Doses	When it may be used
Standard	3 doses on days 0, 7 and 21 or 28	When there is enough time before travel
Rapid	3 doses on days 0, 3 and 7, plus a fourth dose at 1 year	When departure is less than about four weeks away
Two-dose	2 doses, 7 days apart	Licensed for some vaccines in the UK; the clinician will advise whether it is appropriate

Routine boosters are not usually needed for most travellers. People at ongoing occupational risk may need blood tests or boosters in line with UKHSA guidance.

What should I do if I am bitten or scratched abroad?

Wash the wound straight away under running water for several minutes, then clean it thoroughly with soap or detergent and water.
Apply an antiseptic such as iodine or 70% alcohol if available, and cover with a simple dressing.
If saliva gets into your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse well with clean water.
Seek medical help urgently, even for a minor wound. Do not wait until you are back in the UK.

If you had pre-exposure vaccination, you will usually need two further vaccine doses after an exposure and will not normally need rabies immunoglobulin. If you were not vaccinated, you are likely to need a longer course of vaccine and, for higher-risk exposures, rabies immunoglobulin, which is in short supply in many countries. This is one of the main reasons to consider vaccination before you go. If you return to the UK without having had treatment, contact your GP or NHS 111 promptly.

How can I reduce the risk of rabies while travelling?

Avoid touching, feeding or approaching dogs, cats, monkeys and other animals, including pets and animals in sanctuaries.
Supervise children closely and teach them to tell you about any animal contact.
Be cautious when running or cycling past dogs.
Never handle bats.

Frequently asked questions

Is the rabies vaccine available on the NHS for travel?

No. Pre-travel rabies vaccination is not provided free on the NHS, so it is usually arranged privately through a travel clinic.

How far in advance should I get vaccinated?

Ideally start four weeks or more before you travel, but rapid schedules can be used if time is short. Book a travel consultation as early as possible.

If I have had the vaccine, am I fully protected?

No. Vaccination makes treatment after an exposure simpler and gives more time to reach care, but you still need urgent medical assessment and further doses after any bite, scratch or lick.

Can children have the rabies vaccine?

Yes. Children can be vaccinated, and it is often advised because they are at higher risk of animal contact.

Key takeaways

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is preventable.
Pre-travel vaccination is advised after an individual risk assessment.
Courses usually take one to four weeks, with rapid options if time is short.
After any bite, scratch or lick, wash the wound and get urgent medical help, even if vaccinated.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Planning a trip where rabies may be a risk? Book a travel consultation at Ready Health in Standish, Wigan. A clinician will assess your itinerary and advise on rabies vaccination and other travel vaccines you may need.

Rabies Vaccine for Travel: Who Needs It, Schedules and Bite Advice