A pre-exposure vaccination that provides some protection against rabies, typically given as a course over several doses.

Key benefits:

• Added protection before travelling to a higher-risk destination
• Useful for occupational exposure risk
• Convenient local access ahead of your trip

This service may be suitable if you:

• Are travelling to a higher-risk destination
• Have an occupational exposure risk — for example, working with animals

This is a pre-exposure vaccination and doesn’t replace urgent medical care after a suspected exposure, such as an animal bite — seek immediate medical attention in that situation.

Rabies vaccination is a pre-exposure course, typically two or three doses over several weeks, and is not covered by the National Immunisation Program for most travellers. 

This does not remove the need for urgent medical care after a suspected exposure — such as an animal bite in a higher-risk area — where you should seek immediate medical attention regardless of prior vaccination. 

Ask your pharmacist for the relevant Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) for full details.

Before Your Vaccination

Be prepared to discuss:

• Your travel destination andplanned activities
• Any occupational exposure toanimals
• Any previous rabies vaccination

During Your Vaccination

Your pharmacist will review your travel plans or occupational riskbefore starting the vaccination course.

You’ll then receive the first injection in what is typically acourse of two or three doses over several weeks.

Does this protect me completely from rabies?

Pre-exposure vaccination reduces the risk but doesn't eliminate the need for urgent care after a suspected exposure - always seek immediate medical attention after a bite or scratch from an animal in a higher-risk area.

How many doses do I need?

This is typically given as a course - your pharmacist will advise on the schedule.

How soon before travel should I start?

As early as possible, given the course requires multiple doses over time.