What should you know about getting the rabies vaccine?

Rabies vaccination prepares the immune system to recognise rabies virus. Pre-exposure vaccination may be discussed with people whose work, activities or travel could bring them close to mammals. After a bite, scratch or saliva exposure, vaccination may be needed even if you have never felt ill. A previous rabies vaccine changes the post-exposure plan, so tell the clinician about every documented dose. [Rabies Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/rabies-vaccination/) covers preventive planning.

After possible exposure, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek urgent assessment; do not wait for a vaccine appointment or symptoms. Bring your vaccination record and details of the animal, contact, wound and time of exposure. A clinician will decide whether vaccine, rabies immunoglobulin, wound care or other measures are needed. [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/) explains the urgent treatment pathway.

Seek urgent care after a mammal bite or scratch, saliva on broken skin or mucous membranes, or direct contact with a bat. Get immediate help for breathing difficulty, collapse, confusion, trouble swallowing or unusual agitation after vaccination or exposure. Treatment decisions are time-sensitive, even when the wound looks small.

Ask whether you need pre-exposure or post-exposure vaccination, how your records change the schedule, whether immunoglobulin is required, and which reactions should be reported.