Rabies vaccination
Pre-exposure cover for travellers to high-risk regions and occupational protection
What it is, and why it matters
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected mammals — most commonly dogs, bats, monkeys and cats. Once symptoms develop, rabies is essentially 100% fatal — there is no cure. Treatment must be given before symptom onset, ideally within hours of exposure.
Rabies is endemic across much of Asia, Africa, Central and South America. India alone records around 20,000 human deaths per year. Australia is rabies-free, but a related virus, Australian bat lyssavirus, occurs in flying foxes and bats and is treated identically to rabies for vaccination purposes.
How rabies vaccination works
Rabies vaccines used in Australia are inactivated cell-culture vaccines. They can be given pre-exposure (preventive, before potential exposure) or post-exposure (after a bite or scratch from a potentially rabid animal — typically combined with rabies immunoglobulin if the person has not been previously vaccinated).
Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies post-exposure treatment dramatically — vaccinated people who are bitten need only two booster doses without the need for immunoglobulin, which is in short supply globally.
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Funding and eligibility for rabies vaccination
Anchored to the National Immunisation Program schedule and ATAGI advice. Your immuniser confirms your eligibility at the pre-vaccination consultation.
Travellers to rabies-endemic regions, particularly cyclists, hikers and long-stay travellers
Pre-exposure vaccination recommended for travel involving outdoor activity, off-the-beaten-track travel, work with animals, or stays of 4+ weeks in endemic areas.
Veterinarians, vet nurses, animal handlers, wildlife workers
Pre-exposure vaccination recommended; often funded by employer.
Bat handlers, bat carers and people frequently exposed to flying foxes
Pre-exposure vaccination recommended due to Australian bat lyssavirus risk.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal
Post-exposure prophylaxis is urgent — seek emergency assessment immediately. Generally state-funded for the post-exposure schedule.
Doses and timing
Schedules below reflect typical recommendations. Your immuniser will confirm exactly what applies to you, including any catch-up doses and co-administration with other vaccines.
- Pre-exposure: 3 doses at 0, 7 and 21–28 days (accelerated 7-day schedule possible for urgent travel).
- Post-exposure (previously vaccinated): 2 booster doses, days 0 and 3.
- Post-exposure (not previously vaccinated): 4–5 doses plus immunoglobulin — managed urgently in hospital or specialist clinic.
What to expect
- Sore arm at the injection site.
- Mild headache and tiredness.
- Severe reactions are rare.
Precautions
- There are no absolute contraindications to post-exposure rabies vaccination — the disease is fatal so the risk-benefit calculation always favours treatment.
- For pre-exposure vaccination, prior severe allergic reaction to a rabies vaccine warrants careful assessment.
How well the vaccine works
Pre-exposure vaccination is essentially 100% effective when followed by appropriate booster doses after exposure. Post-exposure vaccination plus immunoglobulin in unvaccinated people is highly effective if given before symptom onset.
FAQs about rabies vaccination
I'm cycling around South-East Asia for 6 weeks — should I have pre-exposure vaccination?
Yes — strongly recommended. Cyclists are at higher risk because dogs chase bicycles, and getting prompt post-exposure care in remote areas can be challenging. Rabies immunoglobulin is also in chronic short supply globally. Pre-exposure vaccination gives you a much simpler post-exposure pathway if you do get bitten.
I was scratched by a stray dog in Bali a week ago. What should I do?
Seek urgent medical attention immediately, even now. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent disease if started before symptoms develop — and the incubation period can be weeks to months. Wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes, then go to your nearest emergency department or an after-hours GP. Do not wait.
I'm a vet nurse — am I covered through work?
Many veterinary employers fund pre-exposure rabies vaccination for staff handling animals. Check with your workplace; if not covered, the vaccine is private. The 3-dose pre-exposure schedule provides long-term cover with simple booster requirements.
Deeper reading on rabies
Book your rabies vaccination
Walk in seven days a week, or book a guaranteed time online via Priceline.
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