Next-day appointments available
Book an appointment at one of our branches for next-day service.
About rabies
Rabies is a rare but severe infection of the brain and nerves. It is usually caught from the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most often a dog. After exposure, the virus replicates in muscle tissue and spreads via the peripheral nervous system to the spinal cord and the brain.
You should consider getting vaccinated against rabies if you're travelling to an area of the world where rabies is common and:
You plan to stay for a month or more, or there's unlikely to be quick access to appropriate medical care
You plan to do activities that could put you at increased risk of exposure to animals with rabies, such as running or cycling.
How can you get rabies?
Animals can spread the infection if they bite or scratch you or, in rare cases, if they lick an open wound or if their saliva gets into your mouth or eyes. Rabies is not spread through unbroken skin or between people.
While travelling in an area where rabies is a risk:
Avoid contact with animals – some infected animals may behave strangely, but sometimes there may be no obvious signs they're infected
Avoid touching any dead animals
If you're travelling with a child, make sure they're aware of the dangers and that they should tell you if they have been bitten, scratched or licked by an animal. Check them for any wounds if they come into contact with an animal.
Available service options
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.
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Rabies Vaccine - Single Dose
£86.50 per patient
Rabies is a dangerous viral infection endemic to many countries. The rabies vaccine prevents infection before travelling to a high-risk area.
Currently unavailable -
Rabies Vaccine - Complete Course
£259 per patient
Rabies is a dangerous viral infection endemic to many countries. The rabies vaccine prevents infection before travelling to a high-risk area.
Currently unavailable
Prefer to book this service over the phone?
Call us on 0113 322 9984
Number of doses required and when to boost
Number of doses | When to boost |
|---|---|
Three doses are required for a complete course. The schedule of the doses depends on individual circumstances. Option 1: Days 0, 7, 21 or 28 days Accelerated Schedule: Given on days 0, 3, 7 and 365 when there is insufficient time to complete the 0, 7, 21-28 day course. | Many travellers may not need a booster, but one single booster dose of vaccine can be considered following a thorough risk assessment in those who completed a primary course over a year ago. This may be most effective if offered five years or more after the primary course if travel is assessed as high-risk. |
Not sure what service option you need?
If you are unsure which vaccines you need for your holiday, why not take advantage of our travel health advice service? This service includes a personalised telephone consultation to determine your travel health requirements, including vaccination, altitude sickness, jet lag, period delay, travellers' diarrhoea and antimalarials.
High risk areas for rabies
Rabies exists on all continents except Antarctica. The risk of human cases is highest in countries where the virus circulates in dogs, such as:
Africa
Asia (with India accounting for the most deaths in Asia and worldwide)
Latin America
The Caribbean
Central and South America
Bat rabies is also an emerging public health threat in countries such as:
Australia
Western Europe
North America and Europe - the disease is mainly confined to wild animals (particularly bats and foxes in Europe and North America coyotes, skunks and racoons)
What our customers think
5 out of 5 stars
Vaccinations all given professionally plus lots of useful medical advice given for our holiday.
Andy Boothroyd
5 out of 5 stars
Offered me a blood pressure check which I happily accepted. Attended on the same day. Asked if it were possible to pay for a flu jab (I’m not eligible yet) and got that at the same time! Excellent!! Very polite and helpful.
Penny Speers
5 out of 5 stars
Professional and conscientious staff. Mehwish did a great job syringing my ears, thanks 😊
Thomas Francos
5 out of 5 stars
I booked the ear syringing service at Midway Pharmacy in Morley through the online booking system. Really friendly and professional service from Sharon. I’m really grateful to be able to hear properly again. The treatment only took a few minutes and Sharon is clearly really well trained at what she does. Thank you again.
Paul Mcgrath
Frequently asked questions
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.
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Is rabies found in the UK?
Rabies is not found in the UK except in a small number of wild bats.
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A dog has bitten me; what do I do to avoid rabies?
If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal in an area with a risk of rabies:
immediately clean the wound with running water and soap for several minutes
disinfect the wound with an alcohol- or iodine-based disinfectant and apply a simple dressing, if possible
go to the nearest medical centre, hospital or GP surgery as soon as possible and explain that you have been bitten or scratched
If this happens while you're abroad, get local medical help immediately.
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What are the symptoms of rabies?
Without treatment, the symptoms of rabies will usually start after 3 to 12 weeks, although they can start sooner or much later than this.
The first symptoms can include:
a high temperature
a headache
feeling anxious or generally unwell
in some cases, discomfort at the site of the bite
Other symptoms start a few days later, such as:
confusion or aggressive behaviour
seeing or hearing things (hallucinations)
producing lots of saliva or frothing at the mouth
muscle spasms
difficulty swallowing and breathing
inability to move (paralysis)
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Where can I get the rabies vaccine?
The rabies vaccine is not available for free on the NHS. You can get the rabies vaccine at Midway Pharmacy.
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How is the rabies vaccine given?
The rabies vaccine is given as injections into your upper arm. You'll need three doses of the vaccine, usually over 28 days. If you're planning to travel to an area where rabies is found, you should complete the full course of 3 doses before you leave.
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Do I need a booster for the rabies vaccine?
If you've been vaccinated against rabies before but continue to be at risk (for example, through your job), you may need further "booster" doses to ensure you stay protected. Speak to your employer or occupational health provider about the booster doses you might need.
For travellers, one booster dose may be considered if you were vaccinated more than a year ago and you're travelling to a high-risk area again.
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What are the side effects of the rabies vaccine?
After having the rabies vaccine, some people have temporary soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site for 24 to 48 hours.
In rare cases, some people also experience:
a mild high temperature (fever)
a headache
muscle aches
vomiting
a rash
The vaccines used in the UK contain an inactive (dead) form of the rabies virus, so you cannot catch rabies by being vaccinated.
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Is there rabies in the UK?
The UK has been rabies-free since the beginning of the 20th century, except for a rabies-like virus in a small number of wild bats. The risk of human infection from bats is thought to be low. People who regularly handle bats are most at risk.
There's only been 1 recorded case of someone catching rabies from a bat in the UK. It's also rare for infected bats to spread rabies to other animals.
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Where is this service available?
This service is available in our branches, which are commutable from anywhere in Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, York, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Barnsley, Hull, Doncaster, Ripon, Harrogate, Dewsbury, Keighley and Scarborough.
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Are next-day appointments available?
Yes, you can get next-day appointments at all our branches. Contact our customer care team if you cannot find an available slot.
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Next-day appointments are available at our branches.