Do you really need pre‑exposure cover?
Travellers to Asia, Africa and South America face higher rabies risk from dogs, bats and monkeys . The vaccine removes the scramble for scarce post‑exposure immunoglobulin and buys you vital time to reach care.
- Backpacking the Mekong or Amazon river routes
- Humanitarian or veterinary field work overseas
- Family stays with pets in rural villages
What to expect after each injection
The injection is intramuscular and usually painless. Mild soreness or low temperature may follow and settles within two days.
- Keep the arm mobile and stay hydrated
- Paracetamol helps if it feels sore
- Avoid alcohol for twelve hours after vaccination
- Seek advice if fever rises above 38 °C