Nexus Pharmacy
At Nexus Pharmacy Travel Clinic, we regularly see patients preparing for exciting adventures abroad—whether it’s backpacking across Asia, volunteering in Africa, or hiking through remote parts of Europe. One of the questions we often receive is about the rabies jab: “Is it safe?”, “Do I really need it?”, and “What are the side effects?”
In this blog, we aim to address these common concerns, explain how the vaccine works, and help you feel confident and informed when making decisions about your travel health.
What Is the Rabies Jab?
The rabies jab is a vaccine designed to protect against the rabies virus—a life-threatening illness spread through the bites, scratches, or saliva of infected animals. Rabies affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The vaccine works by helping your body develop antibodies to fight off the virus if you’re exposed.
There are two main types of rabies vaccination:
Pre-exposure prophylaxis – Given before travel to areas where rabies is a risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis – Given after a potential exposure (e.g. bite or scratch), even if you’ve had the pre-exposure jab.
Is the Rabies Jab Safe?
Yes, the rabies jab is very safe and has been used for decades around the world. It is approved by national and international health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UK Health Security Agency.
As with any vaccine, side effects can occur, but serious reactions are extremely rare.
What Are the Common Side Effects?
Most people experience only mild side effects, which typically resolve on their own within a few days. These may include:
Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Mild fever or headache
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Very rarely, allergic reactions can occur. If you have a history of severe allergies or reactions to vaccines, our pharmacists at Nexus Pharmacy will review your medical history and advise you appropriately.
Who Should Get the Rabies Jab?
The rabies jab is recommended for travellers heading to areas where rabies is common, particularly if you’ll be:
Spending time in rural or remote locations
In close contact with animals (e.g. vets, animal charity volunteers, or wildlife workers)
Travelling for long periods or with limited access to medical care
Exploring regions such as India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, parts of Africa, Central and South America, or Eastern Europe
Children may be at higher risk because they’re more likely to approach animals and may not report minor bites or scratches.
When Should I Get Vaccinated?
If you’re planning travel to an area where rabies is a concern, we recommend starting the vaccine course at least 4 to 6 weeks before you go. The standard schedule involves:
Three doses given over a 21–28 day period
A booster may be required after 1–3 years if you remain at risk
If you’re short on time, speak to our team at Nexus Pharmacy—we may be able to offer an accelerated schedule in certain cases.
Do I Still Need Treatment If I’m Bitten After the Jab?
Yes. Even if you’ve had the pre-exposure rabies jab, you’ll still need further treatment if you’re bitten or scratched by a potentially infected animal. However, the good news is that you’ll require fewer doses and can receive treatment more quickly, as your body is already primed to respond to the virus.
This can be life-saving, especially in areas where post-exposure vaccines or rabies immune globulin may not be readily available.
Where Can I Get the Rabies Jab?
At Nexus Pharmacy, we offer the rabies jab as part of our comprehensive travel health service. Our pharmacists are trained to:
Assess your risk based on destination and activities
Provide expert vaccination advice
Administer the full vaccine course
Supply travel health products and prevention tips
We’re based right here in Nottingham, making it easy for local residents to get protected before heading abroad.
Protect Yours and Your Loved Ones
If you’re planning a trip to a region where rabies is a risk, the rabies jab is a safe and effective way to protect yourself. While the disease is rare, its consequences are too severe to ignore—and prevention is far easier than post-exposure treatment in many parts of the world.
At Nexus Pharmacy, your safety is our priority. We’re here to help you travel with peace of mind, knowing you’re properly protected.
Contact us today to book your travel health consultation and rabies vaccination.
This blog was written on behalf of Nexus Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.