Travelling abroad can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with health precautions that shouldn’t be overlooked—especially if your destination exposes you to infectious diseases like rabies. Whether you are exploring rural parts of Asia, volunteering in Africa, or hiking through South America, ensuring you have the right vaccinations is a crucial part of travel preparation.
One of the most vital yet often overlooked immunisations for international travellers is the rabies vaccination. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting your rabies vaccination for travel in London, including where to get it, how much it costs, the recommended schedule, and expert medical advice to help you stay safe during your travels.
Understanding Rabies and Its Risks
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to inflammation of the brain. It’s primarily transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal—most commonly dogs, bats, and wild mammals. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making prevention through vaccination absolutely essential.
Globally, rabies causes tens of thousands of deaths each year, mainly in regions where vaccination and animal control are limited. While rabies is rare in the UK, the risk increases significantly for travellers visiting countries in:
- Southeast Asia (including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia)
- Africa (particularly Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria)
- South America
- Eastern Europe and parts of the Middle East
Because of this risk, the NHS and travel health experts recommend rabies vaccination for travellers spending extended time in rural areas or those who may come into close contact with animals abroad.
Why Travellers from London Should Consider Rabies Vaccination
London is home to many frequent travellers, students, and professionals heading abroad for work or leisure. While it’s easy to overlook rabies protection when preparing for a trip, certain travel plans increase your exposure risk significantly.
You should consider getting a rabies vaccination for travel in London if:
- You’re travelling to an area where rabies is common.
- You plan to work with or around animals (e.g., veterinarians, wildlife workers).
- You’re visiting rural or remote areas where medical care is not easily accessible.
- You’ll be staying for long periods or engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or cycling.
- You’re volunteering or working in humanitarian aid in developing countries.
Even a minor animal bite or scratch in an endemic country can lead to life-threatening infection if untreated. Therefore, getting vaccinated before travel is a small but critical investment in your safety.
How the Rabies Vaccine Works
The rabies vaccine helps your body develop antibodies that fight the virus before it can cause infection. It’s a preventive vaccine, given before potential exposure (known as pre-exposure vaccination), and it offers long-lasting protection.
If you’ve already been exposed to rabies, a different treatment plan known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is required. However, travellers who have had pre-exposure vaccination need fewer post-exposure doses, simplifying treatment and improving safety outcomes.
Types of Rabies Vaccination
There are two main types of rabies vaccination schedules depending on your circumstances:
1. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
This is the recommended vaccination for travellers who are not yet exposed but may be at risk during travel.
Typical schedule:
- Three doses given on days 0, 7, and 21 (or 28).
- Booster doses may be required every few years for people at ongoing risk.
Who should get it:
- Travellers visiting areas with high rabies risk.
- Animal handlers, laboratory workers, and veterinary staff.
- Children travelling to rural areas where animal bites are common.
2. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
If you’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal abroad, you need urgent medical care—even if you’ve had pre-exposure vaccination.
Typical schedule:
- Four doses over 14 days (for unvaccinated individuals).
- Two doses for previously vaccinated travellers.
Immediate wound cleansing and medical attention are essential after any suspected exposure.
Rabies Vaccination Schedule: How to Plan Ahead
Timing is critical when planning your travel vaccinations. For rabies vaccination travel in London, you should start the course at least four to six weeks before your trip. This ensures enough time to complete all three doses and build immunity before you depart.
Here’s what your rabies vaccination timeline might look like:
- First dose: At least 6 weeks before departure.
- Second dose: 7 days after the first.
- Third dose: 21 to 28 days after the first dose.
If you’re travelling at short notice, clinics like Levitas Clinic can sometimes offer an accelerated vaccination schedule depending on your needs and health assessment.
Cost of Rabies Vaccination in London
The cost of rabies vaccination for travel in London can vary depending on the clinic, the number of doses required, and whether you’re receiving pre- or post-exposure treatment.
On average, each rabies vaccine dose costs between £60 and £90. Since a full pre-exposure course includes three doses, you can expect to pay between £180 and £270 in total.
Some clinics offer package prices for travellers taking multiple vaccines together (for example, rabies plus Japanese Encephalitis or Hepatitis A), which can be more economical.
At Levitas Clinic, the focus is on providing expert-led travel health services that include clear cost breakdowns, professional consultation, and timely vaccination scheduling—all under one roof.
Where to Get Rabies Vaccination for Travel in London
London offers several reputable travel health clinics, but choosing a trusted provider ensures your vaccination experience is safe, convenient, and supported by medical expertise.
Levitas Clinic is one of London’s leading travel vaccination providers, offering a comprehensive range of immunisations, including the rabies vaccine.
Why Choose Levitas Clinic for Your Travel Vaccination?
- Expert Travel Health Consultation
- Each appointment begins with a professional consultation where clinicians review your travel itinerary, medical history, and risk factors before recommending the appropriate vaccines.
- Convenient Central Location
- Levitas Clinic offers accessible travel vaccination services in London, allowing travellers to schedule appointments that fit around their busy plans.
- Comprehensive Vaccine Range
- From rabies and Japanese Encephalitis to Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever, the clinic provides all essential travel vaccinations in one place.
- Personalised Travel Health Advice
- The clinic’s experts offer advice on other travel health concerns such as malaria prevention, insect bite protection, and managing traveller’s diarrhoea.
- Fast and Reliable Service
- For last-minute travellers, Levitas Clinic can often arrange accelerated vaccine schedules and same-day appointments when possible.
You can book your rabies vaccination travel London appointment directly at https://levitasclinic.com/travel-vaccinations/.
How to Prepare for Your Rabies Vaccination Appointment
Before attending your vaccination appointment, it’s important to plan ahead and bring relevant information.
What to Bring
- Your travel itinerary (countries and regions you’ll visit).
- A list of any current medications or allergies.
- Previous vaccination records if available.
- Your passport or ID (some clinics require it for travel health documentation).
What to Expect During the Appointment
- Travel Health Review: The clinician will assess your risk based on destination and duration of travel.
- Vaccine Discussion: You’ll receive details about the vaccine, its benefits, and potential side effects.
- Administration: The vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm.
- Observation: You may be asked to stay briefly after the vaccination for routine observation.
The entire process usually takes around 20–30 minutes, and you can return to normal activities immediately after.
Possible Side Effects of Rabies Vaccination
The rabies vaccine is safe and well-tolerated for most people. Side effects, if they occur, are usually mild and temporary. Common symptoms include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever or fatigue
- Headache or muscle aches
Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare. Your clinician will discuss any potential risks during your appointment, especially if you have allergies or a weakened immune system.
Who Should Not Get the Rabies Vaccine?
While rabies vaccination is safe for most adults and children, there are a few cases where caution may be needed:
- Individuals with a severe allergy to any vaccine component
- Those with high fever or severe illness at the time of vaccination
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (should consult a doctor before vaccination)
Your healthcare provider will assess your suitability before administering the vaccine.
The Importance of Rabies Awareness While Travelling
Even after receiving the rabies vaccination, travellers should remain vigilant abroad. Vaccination reduces the risk but doesn’t eliminate the need for caution.
Tips for Staying Safe:
- Avoid touching or feeding stray animals, even if they appear friendly.
- Supervise children closely around animals.
- Seek immediate medical attention if bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal on broken skin.
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
Prompt post-exposure treatment is vital, even for vaccinated individuals.
Combining Rabies Vaccination with Other Travel Vaccines
Many destinations that pose a rabies risk also require other vaccines for comprehensive protection. When visiting a travel health clinic, it’s wise to discuss additional recommended immunisations such as:
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A and B
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Yellow Fever
- Tetanus
At Levitas Clinic, clinicians can create a tailored vaccination plan based on your itinerary, duration, and health background—ensuring you’re protected against all relevant infectious diseases before departure.
FAQs: Rabies Vaccination for Travel in London
1. How long before travel should I get my rabies vaccination?
It’s best to start the vaccination course at least six weeks before travelling to ensure you can complete all three doses.
2. How long does rabies vaccination protection last?
Immunity from a full pre-exposure course can last several years. A booster may be required every two to three years for people at continued risk.
3. Can I get the rabies vaccine if I’m already abroad?
Yes, post-exposure vaccination is possible, but immediate access to proper medical care may be limited in some countries. Getting vaccinated in London before travel is far safer.
4. Is rabies vaccination required for entry into certain countries?
Most countries don’t require rabies vaccination for entry, but it’s strongly recommended for personal protection when travelling to high-risk regions.
5. Are there any side effects I should be concerned about?
Mild side effects such as soreness or fatigue are common and temporary. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
6. Can children receive the rabies vaccine?
Yes, the rabies vaccine is safe for children and is especially recommended if they will be in rural areas or have frequent contact with animals.
Expert Advice: Why Rabies Vaccination Is Worth the Investment
Many travellers underestimate the severity of rabies, assuming it’s a rare risk. However, the disease remains endemic in over 100 countries, and once symptoms appear, it’s almost always fatal.
Given that animal bites can happen unexpectedly—even from pets or street animals—the rabies vaccination acts as your most effective protection. The cost and time required for vaccination are minimal compared to the danger of contracting rabies abroad.
Levitas Clinic emphasises preventive care and patient education, helping travellers make informed health decisions before departure. With professional travel health consultations, certified vaccines, and flexible scheduling, you can travel confidently knowing you’re fully protected.
Conclusion: Protect Your Health Before You Travel
If you’re planning an overseas trip, especially to regions where rabies is present, don’t overlook the importance of vaccination. The rabies vaccine is safe, effective, and can be life-saving.
For expert guidance, personalised vaccination plans, and professional travel health advice, visit Levitas Clinic. Their experienced clinicians offer tailored support for rabies vaccination travel London, ensuring you have everything you need for a safe, healthy, and enjoyable journey.
Book your rabies vaccination today and take the first step towards stress-free travel protection.