Travel Vaccine · Oxford
✓ NaTHNaC-aligned · Oxford Travel Clinic

Rabies Vaccine

in Oxford.
Pre-exposure protection for travellers to rabies-endemic regions, especially long-stay trips, remote travel, expedition work and travel with limited access to post-exposure treatment. Usually 3 doses over 28 days, or 21 days if you are short of time.
Book Rabies Vaccination
Price per dose

£90

Per dose · 3-dose pre-exposure = £270
PRE-EXPOSURE 3-DOSE COURSE · DAYS 0, 7 AND 28
DoseScheduleCover
Dose 1, 2, 30, 7, 28 days (21 if short of time)Pre-exposure cover
BoosterNot routinely neededOne-off for some
Post-exposureBite/scratch abroadSeek immediate care
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📞 Call a Branch
Pre-exposure does not remove the need for urgent post-exposure care after a bite.
Suitable from infancy – common in expedition & aid travel.
Clinical brief · Rabies virus

What every traveller should know.

Three things every traveller should understand before boarding.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies - global risk zones for dog-bite exposure. Indicative map - risk varies by region and season; we check current country advice at your appointment.

Transmission

Rabies spreads through saliva from infected mammals – most commonly dogs, but also bats, monkeys and cats. Bites, scratches and licks on broken skin can transmit. Once symptoms develop, rabies is virtually 100% fatal – vaccination is the only reliable defence.

Geography

Present in over 150 countries – especially across Asia and Africa where over 99% of human deaths occur. India alone reports ~20,000 deaths/year. Bats are a risk worldwide including in the UK and US.

Immunity

Pre-exposure vaccination (usually 3 doses over 28 days) dramatically simplifies care if you’re bitten – only 2 booster doses needed rather than the full 4-dose schedule plus immunoglobulin.

Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms after rabies exposure.

Onset 1–3 months after a bite. Once symptoms develop, rabies is virtually 100% fatal – urgent care is critical.

Fever

With general malaise and headache.

Tingling at bite site

Often the first specific sign.

Anxiety & agitation

Progressing to confusion.

Hydrophobia

Painful spasms swallowing water.

Aerophobia

Spasms triggered by air currents.

Paralysis

Ascending in some cases (dumb rabies).

Coma

Followed by respiratory failure.

Eligibility checklist

You should book Rabies vaccine if…

  • You are travelling long-stay in Asia, Africa, or Latin America.
  • You will undertake expedition, aid or remote work.
  • You will be in regions with limited access to medical care.
  • You plan activities with animal exposure (volunteering, working with wildlife).
  • You are a frequent traveller to rabies-endemic regions.
Severe allergy to a previous dose excludes. Pregnancy and breastfeeding don’t exclude where exposure risk is real. Immunocompromised travellers may need extra doses – pharmacist will advise.
VACCINATED MEDIPILL OXFORD
Rabies FAQ

Common questions, answered.

Most travellers do not need a routine booster. If you finished your course more than a year ago and are travelling again to a country where rabies vaccination is recommended, a one-off booster may be advised – we check this at your appointment.
Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes, then seek urgent medical care. Pre-exposure vaccinees still need 2 booster doses – but no rabies immunoglobulin (often unavailable abroad).
One dose of vaccine plus pharmacist consultation. The full 3-dose course is £270 and we schedule it before you leave the room.
Rabies vaccine is order-in stock at our four Oxford branches – please book ahead so we can have it ready.
Severe allergy to a previous rabies dose. Pregnancy doesn’t exclude where exposure risk is real.
Most people get arm soreness for 24–48 hours. Mild fever, headache and fatigue are occasional. Serious reactions are very rare.
Four Oxford branches · book any

Find your nearest branch.

MediPill Botley

📍 9 Westway Square, OX2 9TJ
🕒 Mon–Fri 8:30–5:30 · Sat 9–2
📞 01865 247 023
Book at this branch

Headington Pharmacy

📍 207 London Road, OX3 9JA
🕒 Mon–Fri 8:30–6 · Closed weekends
📞 01865 765 559
Book at this branch

MediPill Summertown

📍 227 Banbury Road, OX2 7HQ
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–6 · Sat 9–12
📞 01865 558 348
Book at this branch

MediPill Deddington

📍 The Studio, Hudson St, OX15 0SW
🕒 Mon–Fri 9–5:30 · Sat 9–12
📞 01869 337 583
Book at this branch

Ready for your Rabies vaccine?

Book online at any of our four Oxford branches – booking ahead lets us order your vaccine in.
Book My Rabies Vaccination →