What is Rabies?
Rabies is a fatal viral infection transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals, including dogs, bats, and monkeys. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal – which is why prevention by vaccination is essential if you are travelling to at-risk regions.
Symptoms of Rabies
Early symptoms can include:
Fever, headache, and general weakness
Tingling or pain at the site of a bite or scratch
Anxiety, confusion, and difficulty swallowing
Seizures and paralysis in later stages
Because rabies has no cure once symptoms start, vaccination is the only reliable protection.
Countries where rabies risk is high include:
Asia: India, Nepal, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines
Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa
Central & South America: Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala, Dominican Republic
👉 You can check your destination’s requirements via the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Who Should Get the Rabies Vaccine?
The rabies vaccine is recommended for:
Travellers spending time in Asia, Africa, Central & South America where rabies is common
People travelling to remote areas where medical care may not be quickly available
Animal handlers, vets, and cavers (higher exposure risk)
Children travelling abroad (as they are more likely to approach animals)
Rabies Vaccine at Private Clinic Norfolk
✔ Convenient private travel vaccination clinic in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth
✔ Administered by an independent prescribing pharmacist
✔ Suitable for both adults and children
✔ Flexible appointment times before you travel
✔ Serving Norfolk & Suffolk including Lowestoft and Caister
Dosage & Schedule
The pre-exposure rabies vaccine is given as a course of 3 doses over 3–4 weeks.
For long-term travellers or those at high risk, a booster may be recommended.
If you are bitten or scratched abroad, further treatment may still be required, even if vaccinated.
Price
💉 Rabies Vaccine: £80 per dose
(A full pre-exposure course requires 3 doses.)
Book Your Appointment
📍 Private Clinic Norfolk – inside OnlineChemist
82 Middleton Road, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, NR31 7AH
📞 Call 01493 600610
💻 Book Your Rabies Vaccine Online
Rabies Vaccine
Private Clinic Norfolk
Inside OnlineChemist
82 Middleton Road, Gorleston
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 7AH
Rabies Vaccine FAQs
How long does the rabies vaccine last?
After the initial 3-dose pre-exposure course, protection usually lasts for several years. A booster may be recommended every 2–3 years if you remain at high risk (such as regular travel or animal work).
When should I get the rabies vaccine before travel?
It’s best to start the vaccine course at least 1 month before you travel, so you have time to complete all 3 doses. If you are travelling sooner, contact us urgently – we may be able to offer an accelerated schedule.
Can children have the rabies vaccine?
Yes – the rabies vaccine is safe and recommended for children travelling to high-risk countries. Children are more likely to touch animals, so vaccination gives added protection.
What happens if I am bitten abroad?
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal abroad, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical care immediately. Even if you have been vaccinated, you may still need additional rabies treatment.
Is the rabies vaccine safe?
Yes – the rabies vaccine has been used worldwide for decades. Side effects are usually mild and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or headache. Serious side effects are very rare.
✅ Still unsure if you need the rabies vaccine? Our clinician will give personalised advice based on your destination and travel plans.
Other Travel Vaccines Available
In addition to Yellow Fever, we also provide: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Tick-borne Encephalitis, Cholera, and more.
👉 See our full Travel Clinic Services
👉 For more details, you can also view ourOnlineChemist Travel Vaccines page
✅ Trusted & Regulated Care
All vaccinations are carried out by qualified professionals using the latest travel health guidelines.