Rabies
A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.
What it is
Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain. Once symptoms appear it is almost always fatal, but quick treatment after exposure prevents that.
How it spreads
Through the saliva of an infected animal — usually via a bite or scratch. Dogs cause most human cases worldwide. Bats and monkeys are also common sources.
Dosing & timing
- Primary series
- Two shots in your arm, 7 days apart.
- Boosters
- Strong protection for at least 3 years. Boosters depend on ongoing exposure risk.
- Before you travel
- Protection peaks 2 to 4 weeks after the second dose.
Who should consider it
CDC recommends pre-travel rabies vaccination for animal handlers, field biologists, cavers, veterinarians, and anyone spending extended time in remote areas where rabies is common and medical care is hard to reach. It is also worth considering for cyclists, runners, and long-stay travellers in rabies-endemic countries.
Countries where CDC recommends this
Click any country for its full vaccine list.
Recommended for some travellers
Side effects and safety
Common (most resolve in a day or two)
- Soreness where the shot was given
- Headache
- Mild stomach upset
Serious but rare
- Severe allergic reaction (very rare)
Who should not get it
Skip it only if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose. For pre-travel use, there are very few people who cannot have it.
Common questions
If I get vaccinated, do I still need shots after a bite?
Yes — but fewer. Pre-travel vaccination means you only need two follow-up doses after exposure, and you do not need rabies immune globulin, which is hard to find in many countries.
Do I need rabies shots if I'm staying in cities?
Risk is lower in cities, but stray dogs and bats exist everywhere. If you are travelling somewhere with little access to medical care, the vaccine is still worth considering.
What do I do if an animal bites me abroad?
Wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, then get to a clinic for follow-up shots as soon as possible — even if you were vaccinated before the trip.
Plan ahead: Talk to a travel health doctor 4 to 6 weeks before departure to fit in both pre-travel doses.
Source: CDC — Rabies.
Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.