Cases of rabies are most commonly caused when a person who isn’t vaccinated against the disease is bitten by a rabid animal – usually a dog. Rabies is an extremely serious disease which is often fatal unless a person has been vaccinated or receives medical treatment in time. Vaccinating against rabies is recommended for anyone travelling to Africa or Asia, particularly if you’re likely to be interacting with animals.
Three injections are given on day 1, 7 and 28. The third dose can be given on day 21 though.
A single reinforcing dose is then given, one year after the primary course has been completed, to those at regular and continued risk.
Further booster doses should be given at 3-5 yearly intervals thereafter to those at regular and continued risk.
