What should you know about pre-exposure rabies vaccine?

Rabies is a serious infection that can spread through the saliva of an infected animal, commonly through a bite or scratch. Pre-exposure vaccination prepares the immune system before contact occurs. It may be considered for animal handlers, laboratory staff, people working with wildlife, and travellers visiting places where prompt medical care may be difficult to reach. A clinician will assess the type of exposure you might face, your destination, health history, and timing before recommending a schedule.

Arrange a travel or occupational health assessment well before departure or starting the relevant work. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, immune conditions, medicines, allergies, and any previous rabies vaccine. Vaccination does not remove the need for care after a bite, scratch, or saliva contact with broken skin. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water and seek urgent medical advice. Read more about Rabies Vaccination for the wider preventive plan.

Seek urgent medical care after any suspected exposure, even if you completed pre-exposure vaccination and the wound looks small. Do not wait for symptoms. A clinician may recommend additional vaccine doses and other post-exposure treatment based on the animal, the contact, and your vaccination history. Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis explains the emergency response.

Ask which exposure risks apply to you, when to begin the course, whether your work or destination changes the plan, and what steps to take if an animal bites or scratches you.