If you’re planning a trip abroad, you’ve probably sorted your passport, insurance, and luggage. But what about vaccines? One that often raises questions is the rabies jab. It’s not on every travel checklist, yet it could be more important than many realise. So, do you actually need it? Let’s break it down.

What Is Rabies and How Serious Is It?

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually by a bite or scratch. In rare cases, it can also spread through licking an open wound.

Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. That’s why prevention is key. Early treatment after exposure can save lives, but access to care may not always be quick or easy in certain countries.

Animals that may carry rabies include:

• — Dogs
• — Cats
• — Bats
• — Monkeys
• — Foxes
• — Raccoons

While the UK is rabies-free, many countries across Asia, Africa, Central America, and Eastern Europe still report cases every year.

Who Should Consider the Rabies Jab?

Not everyone needs the rabies jab for travel. It depends on where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and how long you’ll be there. You should consider the vaccine if you:

• — Are travelling to a country with high rabies risk
• — Plan to stay for a month or more
• — Will be working with animals or in rural areas
• — Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, caving, or cycling
• — Are travelling with children who may not report bites or scratches

In short, if there’s a real chance you might encounter animals in high-risk areas, the rabies jab is worth considering.

What Does the Rabies Jab Involve?

The rabies vaccine is given in a series of injections. For travel, you’ll usually need three doses over 21 to 28 days. The jab works by helping your body build immunity to the virus.

Some key things to know:

• — You need to complete the course before you travel
• — You may need a booster dose if it’s been over a year since your last jab
• — You can still get post-exposure treatment if bitten, but having the jab makes it simpler and more effective

The jab is generally well-tolerated. Some people experience mild redness, swelling, or discomfort at the injection site. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

What Happens If You Don’t Have the Jab?

If you get bitten or scratched in a rabies-risk country and you haven’t had the vaccine, you’ll need urgent medical attention. Treatment includes a series of post-exposure injections, ideally started within 24 hours.

Here’s the problem: in many remote or low-income areas, post-exposure treatment isn’t always available. There may be long delays, limited supplies, or poor access to medical care.

Without prompt treatment, rabies will develop and become fatal. That’s why prevention is often better — and safer — than cure.

Where Can You Get the Rabies Jab?

At Murray’s Pharmacy, we offer rabies vaccinations as part of our travel clinic service. Our team can assess your travel plans and let you know if the jab is recommended.

We’ll make sure you:

• — Get the right number of doses
• — Know when to book your appointments
• — Understand what to do if you’re exposed abroad
• — Have access to any other vaccines you may need

You don’t need to feel unsure about your travel health. Just get in touch or pop in for advice, and we’ll guide you through it all. And if you have any questions, our team are there to answer your queries or concerns.

Is the Rabies Jab Really Necessary?

If you’re heading to a country where rabies is a known risk — especially for longer trips or outdoor travel — then yes, the jab is often a wise choice. It gives peace of mind and ensures you’re protected if something goes wrong.

Even if you’re not sure whether you need it, speaking to a travel health expert can help. It’s better to ask early than to leave it too late.

Book Your Rabies Jab at Murray’s Pharmacy

Your health is just as important as your passport when travelling. If your plans involve high-risk areas or animal exposure, consider booking a rabies jab before you go. At Murray’s Pharmacy, we make the process simple, safe, and stress-free.

We’ll talk you through the timing, answer your questions, and provide everything you need to stay protected abroad. Don’t leave it until the last minute — rabies prevention starts at home.

Contact us today or visit in-store to book your rabies jab and get travel-ready with confidence.

This blog was written on behalf of Murrays Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.