Rabies Travel Vaccinations across the UK

Rabies is a fatal viral disease from animal bites and scratches, that claims 60,000 – 100,000 lives per year worldwide. Every year 15-20 million people need treatment following an animal exposure (bite, scratch or lick) that could have a rabies risk. Less than a handful of people have ever survived rabies as far as we know. It is almost always fatal (Rabies Travel Vaccinations)

Pre-exposure vaccination is a highly effective measure in lowering the risk of this disease following a bite or scratch from a suspected rabid animal. Pre-exposure vaccination does NOT just “buy you time”. Vaccinations against rabies has taken on added importance since human rabies immunoglobulin (the antidote called HRIG) has been in limited supply in the countries where the rabies risk is highest – East Asia (India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia including Bali, etc.), Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

Rabies prevention, before you go:

Book an appointment for a pre-travel consultation at least 6 weeks before you are due to travel. A rabies vaccine is available for travellers who are considered to be at risk of rabies. Your healthcare provider will be able to talk to you about your risk of rabies and any other disease risks in your chosen destination. Please note that receiving rabies vaccine prior to travel does not eliminate the need for a medical evaluation if you are exposed to a possibly rabid animal during your trip. Urgent medical advice should always be sought following any possible exposure to rabies; additional doses of rabies vaccine may be needed. You can help to ensure you receive the correct treatment after a possible exposure to rabies by keeping a record of your rabies vaccinations with you at all times whilst you are traveling. It is important to show this to the doctor or nurse treating you after any potential rabies exposure. For future trips booster doses may be recommended, so check with your practice nurse or doctor before traveling overseas.

Content source: https://www.travel-doc.com/