Rabies Vaccine in Highfield Pharmacy
Same-Day Appointments Available for Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccination
Rabies Vaccine
£75
ⓘ Vaccination requirements may vary by country. Please consult with the pharmacy before booking.
About Rabies Vaccination
How Our Rabies Vaccine Service Works
Book an Appointment
Call or book online to schedule your travel health consultation. We perform a formal risk assessment per NaTHNaC/TRAVAX guidance, considering itinerary, duration, activities, and medical history. We recommend booking 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for the three-dose course. However, accelerated schedules are available for urgent travel.
Attend Your Consultation
Our pharmacists review your itinerary, assess your medical history, and advise which vaccines you need. You'll receive your first rabies vaccine dose during this appointment and schedule your subsequent doses (typically at days 7 and 21–28). Comprehensive travel health guidance included.
Complete Your Vaccination Course
Return for your second dose (day 7) and third dose (day 21–28). You'll be fully protected approximately one week after your final dose. If you require booster doses for future travel, a single dose provides renewed protection. So consult our team based on your travel frequency.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral encephalitis caused by the rabies lyssavirus. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals, typically via a bite, scratch, or mucous membrane contact. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal.
How Rabies? Spreads:
- Bite or scratch from an infected animal (dogs, bats, monkeys, cats, foxes)
- Lick from infected animal on broken skin or mucous membranes
- Dogs are the most common source globally (responsible for 99% of human cases)
High-Risk Destinations Include:
- India and South Asia
- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Latin America
- Parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Importance Of Rabies Vaccine Vaccination
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination doesn’t eliminate the need for treatment after an animal bite. Post-exposure vaccination is not covered; patients must be referred to specialist care. Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies post-exposure treatment. But follow-up doses and serology must be completed as per schedule. Booster doses every 2–5 years depending on risk and antibody levels. However it dramatically simplifies post-exposure care and can be life-saving in situations where immediate medical attention is unavailable.
Why Rabies Vaccine matters:
Who Should Get The Rabies Vaccine?
Rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for travellers to endemic regions. It is particularly important for those at increased risk of animal contact. Our travel health specialists assess your individual risk based on destination, activities, accommodation type, and trip duration.
Rabies Vaccination Is Strongly Recommended For:
Travellers to rural or remote areas in endemic countries
Extended stays (longer than one month) in rabies-risk regions
Cyclists, motorcyclists, and runners in endemic areas
Adventure travellers, trekkers, and campers
Wildlife researchers and conservation workers
Veterinarians and animal handlers working abroad
Aid workers and healthcare professionals in endemic regions
Children at higher risk due to attraction to animals and inability to report minor bites
Travellers visiting friends and relatives with limited healthcare access
Individuals participating in bat cave exploration or wildlife photography
The Vaccine Is Suitable For:
Adults and children of all ages
Pregnant women after risk assessment where infection risk outweighs vaccination risk
Individuals with weakened immune systems who may require antibody testing
Who Should Discuss Alternatives:
Individuals taking immunosuppressive medications
People with confirmed anaphylaxis to rabies vaccine
Those with severe hypersensitivity to vaccine components including egg products, antibiotics, latex, or related compounds
Individuals with acute severe febrile illness
Cases requiring specialist post-exposure vaccination advice
Consider Vaccination Even For Shorter Trips If:
Your activities involve potential animal contact
You will be travelling far from medical facilities
You are travelling with young children who may not report animal encounters
Your destination has limited access to post-exposure treatment
Symptoms Of Rabies
The incubation period for rabies usually ranges from 1–3 months but may vary from one week to over a year. Bites closer to the brain, such as on the head, neck, or hands, may lead to faster symptom development.
Early symptoms (prodromal phase)
- Fever, headache, and general malaise
- Anxiety, restlessness, or confusion
- Tingling, itching, or pain at the bite site
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or temperature
- Difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite
- Hydrophobia (fear of water caused by painful swallowing spasms)
- Aerophobia (fear of drafts or fresh air)
- Excessive salivation and inability to swallow
- Muscle spasms and seizures
- Hallucinations and aggressive behaviour
- Partial paralysis progressing through the body
- Difficulty breathing
- Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes
- Seek urgent medical attention as soon as possible
- Inform healthcare providers about your rabies vaccination status
- Begin post-exposure treatment if recommended
- Contact our clinic after travel if you have any concerns
Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, facial swelling, widespread rash, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness within hours of vaccination.
Side Effects Of Rabies Vaccination
The rabies vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. Most people experience minimal or no side effects. The vaccine uses inactivated (killed) virus, so it cannot cause rabies infection.
- Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site
- Headache and mild fever
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue or general feeling of being unwell
- Dizziness or nausea
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash or itching at injection site
- Joint pain
- Abdominal discomfort
- Resume normal activities immediately after vaccination
- Apply a cool compress if injection site is uncomfortable
- Take paracetamol if needed for headache or fever
- Side effects typically resolve within 24–48 hours
- Complete all three doses for full pre-exposure protection
Book Your Vaccine Today
Same-day appointments available with qualified travel health professionals.
Book AppointmentWhy Choose Our Travel Clinic in Highfield Pharmacy
Experienced Travel Health Specialists
Our experienced healthcare practitioners, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, have specialist training in travel medicine. They maintain up-to-date knowledge of WHO, Public Health England, and NaTHNaC guidance. We provide evidence-based recommendations specific to your travel plans and health profile.
Same-Day Appointments Available
You can avail flexible scheduling with same-day options for urgent pre-departure requirements. We recommend beginning rabies vaccination 4–6 weeks before travel to complete the three-dose course. However, we accommodate travellers with tighter timelines whenever possible.
Complete Travel Health Service
Full range of travel vaccinations including yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A/B, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, and meningitis. We also provide antimalarial medication. You can access comprehensive travel healthcare in one convenient location.
Comprehensive Risk Assessments
Your consultation includes detailed evaluation of your destination, season, activities, accommodation, and trip duration. We advise on all recommended vaccinations, malaria prevention measures, and practical health precautions to help keep you safe abroad.
Convenient Central Location
Easily accessible from town centre, Langley, Windsor, Cippenham, and surrounding Berkshire areas. Appointment times are arranged around your work and family commitments for maximum convenience.
Clear, Transparent Pricing
Upfront costs with no hidden charges. All fees are discussed during your consultation so you can make informed decisions and confidently plan your travel health budget.