Burwash Pharmacy in Hove offers rabies vaccinations for travellers. We’ll talk through where you’re going, when you leave and any previous rabies vaccinations before advising on the right course for you.
Our travel vaccination appointments take place in a private consultation room at 9 Burwash Road, Hove, BN3 8GP. You can ask about rabies alongside any other travel vaccines you may need.
Already been bitten or scratched by an animal? Get medical help straight away, even if you’ve been vaccinated. Do not wait for a routine pharmacy appointment.
Do I need a rabies vaccine for travel?
It depends on your trip. Vaccination may be recommended when you’re travelling somewhere with a rabies risk, particularly if medical treatment would be difficult to reach. Longer stays, cycling, running and working with animals can also increase your risk.
Tell us about the whole itinerary, including rural stops and planned activities. A short holiday does not rule out the need for vaccination; the places you visit and what you’ll be doing matter too. Bring any vaccination records so we can check whether you need a first course or further advice about a booster.
How much does the rabies vaccine cost?
Our rabies vaccine price is £90 per dose. For a standard three dose course, the vaccine costs a total of £270.
Vaccination | Vaccine charge |
One rabies vaccine dose | £90 |
Standard three-dose course | £270 |
How many doses of the rabies vaccine will I need and when should I book?
For a standard course before travel, the usual schedule is three injections on days 0, 7 and 28. Day 0 means the day of your first injection. If there is less time before departure, the third dose may be given from day 21 following assessment.
Dose | Usual timing |
First dose | Day 0 |
Second dose | Day 7 |
Third dose | Day 28, or from day 21 if advised |
Try to arrange travel health advice around eight weeks before you leave. If your departure is closer, call us with the date rather than assuming it is too late. A shorter schedule may be suitable for some people, but we need to check your age, health, vaccine history and the options available.
We’ll agree the appointment dates with you. Please tell us if you cannot attend a planned dose, and keep a record of the vaccines you receive.
What is rabies and where is it a risk?
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system. It is usually passed on through a bite or scratch from an infected mammal. Saliva getting into the eyes, mouth or broken skin can also transmit it. Dogs cause most human cases worldwide, but cats, monkeys and bats can also pose a risk.
Rabies occurs in many countries, with most human deaths in Asia and Africa. Check current advice for each country on your itinerary through TravelHealthPro. Vaccination advice depends on your plans and access to treatment, rather than the country name alone.
Avoid touching or feeding animals while travelling, including animals that appear friendly or healthy. Children should tell an adult about any bite, scratch or lick to broken skin straight away.
How long does the rabies vaccine last?
There isn’t one expiry date that applies to every traveller. A completed course prepares your immune system to respond to later vaccination, including treatment after a possible exposure.
Most travellers do not need routine boosters. A further dose may be considered if you are travelling again to a high-risk area and more than a year has passed since your first course. People with continuing exposure through work can need a different plan. If you previously had a rapid course, tell us when and where you received it so we can check any follow-up dose.
Even after a full course, you still need urgent medical advice following possible exposure. Vaccination before travel does not remove that need.
Rabies vaccine side effects and suitability
You may have a sore or swollen arm, a headache, a temperature or feel sick after vaccination. Most side effects are mild and settle quickly. A severe allergic reaction is very rare. The vaccine is inactivated, so it cannot give you rabies.
Tell the pharmacist if you have had a serious reaction to a vaccine or an ingredient, or if you have a severe egg or antibiotic allergy. Please also mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, a weakened immune system or any current illness. These do not all prevent vaccination, but they can affect the assessment and the advice you need.
What to do after an animal bite or scratch?
Take action immediately after a possible exposure, even if the wound looks small or you have already had rabies vaccinations.
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Get medical help straight away where you are. If you’re abroad, do not wait until you return to the UK.
- If you’re in the UK, ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111. This also applies after a bite or scratch from a bat in the UK.
Saliva in the eyes or mouth, or on broken skin, also needs urgent assessment. Do not wait for symptoms: rabies is almost always fatal once they develop.
Treatment after exposure can include further vaccine doses and, in some circumstances, rabies immunoglobulin, which supplies antibodies. The clinician treating you will decide what is needed. Keep records of any treatment received abroad and contact your GP when you return.
Questions about rabies vaccination
Can children have the rabies vaccine?
Yes, rabies vaccines can be given to children when needed. Contact Burwash Pharmacy before booking so we can confirm our service’s age limits and the right next step for your child.
Can I have it with other travel vaccines?
Rabies vaccination can be given at the same visit as other vaccines. Bring your travel plans and vaccination record so the pharmacist can work out which appointments you need.
Is the rabies vaccine free on the NHS?
Rabies vaccination for travel is normally a private, paid service. Different arrangements can apply to occupational risks or treatment after a possible exposure. If you have been bitten or scratched, seek urgent medical help rather than booking a routine travel vaccination.
Can I have the vaccine if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It may be appropriate after an assessment of the risks and benefits. Tell the pharmacist before booking. If you may already have been exposed to rabies, seek urgent medical care; pregnancy or breastfeeding should not delay that assessment.
What are the symptoms of rabies?
Early signs can include a fever, headache or tingling around the bite. Later symptoms can include confusion, difficulty swallowing and paralysis. Do not use symptoms to decide whether to get help: assessment and treatment are needed before symptoms start.
Book your rabies vaccination in Brighton & Hove
Bring your travel dates and questions to Burwash Pharmacy. We’ll help you work out whether you need rabies vaccination and plan the next steps.
You’ll find us at 9 Burwash Road, Hove, BN3 8GP, serving people across Brighton and Hove.