Rabies vaccination
Rabies prevention before travel and urgent care after possible exposure
What it is, and why it matters
Rabies and other lyssaviruses can cause a fatal infection of the nervous system. Exposure can occur through bites, scratches or saliva contacting broken skin or mucous membranes. Australian bats can carry Australian bat lyssavirus.
After a possible exposure, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for about 15 minutes and seek urgent medical care. Do this even if previously vaccinated, even for a small injury, and even if the exposure was some time ago. Do not handle bats.
How rabies vaccination works
Pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended for some travellers, animal handlers and other people with exposure risk. It does not remove the need for urgent treatment after an exposure.
Post-exposure treatment is a separate, time-critical clinical pathway. It depends on the animal, location, wound, immune status and previous vaccination and may require treatment beyond vaccination.
Individual assessment. This general information does not determine which vaccination is suitable for you. Your clinician discusses the available options, benefits, risks, timing and funding before you decide.
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 with increased animal exposure or limited access to treatment
The clinician assesses activities, destination, duration and access to reliable post-exposure care.
People with occupational or volunteer animal exposure
Some Victorian volunteer wildlife handlers qualify for a funded initial course. Employer and other program arrangements must be checked.
People with a possible rabies or bat lyssavirus exposure
Seek urgent medical assessment. Public health services advise on the post-exposure pathway; do not rely on a routine pharmacy booking.
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 options include a two-visit course on days 0 and 7 or a three-visit course on days 0, 7 and 21 to 28. The appropriate route and course require clinical assessment.
- Two-visit schedules are not used for people who are immunocompromised. Specialist assessment and blood testing may be required.
- People with continuing exposure may need a one-year booster and later testing or boosters. Occupational risk determines follow-up.
- After possible exposure, urgent treatment is needed even after a completed pre-exposure course. Do not calculate your own post-exposure schedule from this page.
What to expect
- Injection-site discomfort, headache, tiredness, muscle aches or fever can occur.
- A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or relevant component requires specialist assessment. Stay for the recommended observation period, usually at least 15 minutes.
Precautions
- Tell the immuniser about previous serious reactions, medicines, immune conditions, pregnancy and any current illness before vaccination.
- Pregnancy or immune conditions must not delay urgent assessment after a possible exposure. The treating service selects the appropriate treatment.
Benefits, limitations and individual advice
Pre-exposure vaccination helps prepare the immune response and can simplify later treatment, but it does not guarantee protection after a bite or scratch. Prompt wound care and correctly selected post-exposure treatment remain essential.
FAQs about rabies vaccination
Can I ignore a bite if I was vaccinated before travel?
No. Wash the wound and seek urgent medical care. Previously vaccinated people still require an exposure assessment and may need further treatment.
Is the pre-travel course always three visits?
No. Australian guidance includes two-visit and three-visit options. Immune status, route, age and circumstances affect which can be used.
Can I book a routine pharmacy visit after a bat scratch?
Seek urgent medical care and public health advice instead of waiting for a routine booking. Australian bats can transmit lyssavirus.
Primary references
Deeper reading on rabies
Book your rabies vaccination
Contact the pharmacy to check service availability, suitability and booking options.