How many doses of the rabies vaccine do you need, and over how long? The pre-exposure course, timing before travel, options if you are short on time, and boosters explained.
If you are planning the pre-exposure rabies vaccine, the two questions that matter most are how many doses you need and how far ahead to start. This guide covers the course, the timing, and what your options are if your trip is coming up soon. For everything else about the vaccine, see our rabies vaccine guide.
The pre-exposure rabies course is three doses, given as an injection into the upper arm, spread over up to about a month. A common schedule is a dose on day 0, a second around day 7, and a third around day 28. You are considered protected once the course is complete, so the aim is to finish all three doses before you travel.
Ideally start around a month before you travel, so the full course is finished before you go. In practice, plenty of people book with less time than that. If your trip is soon, come and see us anyway: depending on your travel dates and destination, a quicker schedule may be possible, and your prescriber will work out the best plan to give you as much protection as time allows.
Rabies vaccination schedules have been evolving, and international bodies have moved towards shorter courses in some settings. Because this guidance continues to develop, we always confirm the current recommended schedule for your circumstances at your consultation rather than relying on a fixed rule. That way you get advice that reflects the latest position and your specific trip.
If you have completed a course before and are travelling again to a risk area, a single booster may be recommended, usually if more than about a year has passed, and less often after that for frequent travellers. Bring a record of your previous doses if you have one, as it helps us advise whether you need a booster or a full course. You can check the cost for either.
The pre-exposure course is three doses over up to about a month. Your prescriber confirms the exact schedule for you, as it can depend on how soon you travel and current guidance.
A typical schedule is day 0, around day 7, and around day 28. The spacing can be adjusted by your prescriber depending on your travel dates.
Not necessarily. Book in as soon as you can, because a quicker schedule may be possible and any protection is better than none. We will make the most of the time you have.
After a completed course, a booster may be advised if you travel again to a risk area after about a year, and less often after that for frequent travellers. We will note your dates and let you know.
This information covers pre-exposure rabies vaccination for travel and is general education, not medical advice. Treatment after a bite or scratch is an urgent matter: seek immediate medical attention. Rabies vaccines are prescription-only and given after a consultation where clinically appropriate.
Ready to take the next step?
Book your consultation at either Chislehurst Pharmacy Group location. Same-day and next-day appointments usually available.
