Rabies vaccination: all about rabies vaccination
Rabies, also known as rabies, is a life-threatening viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Although rabies does not occur in the Netherlands, you are at risk of infection in many popular travel destinations. A rabies vaccination offers effective protection and could save your life. In this blog, you will read all about the rabies vaccination: who needs the vaccination, when to get yourself vaccinated and why protection against rabies is so important. We also explain what you should do after contact with a potentially infected animal.
What is rabies and how dangerous is it?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. The disease is almost always transmitted by a bite or scratch from an infected animal, such as dogs, cats, bats or monkeys. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal.
Initial symptoms resemble flu: fever, headache and general malaise. This is followed by neurological symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, fear of water (hydrophobia) and paralysis. Without treatment, rabies leads to death within a few days.
Fortunately, rabies is preventable with vaccination. Both preventive vaccination before a trip and treatment after possible contact can save your life.
Who needs a rabies vaccination?
Travellers to high-risk areas
A rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for travellers to countries where the disease is prevalent. This is especially true for:
- Long-term travellers staying more than one month
- Backpackers and adventure travellers coming into remote areas
- Travellers to Asia, Africa and Latin America where rabies is common
- Cyclists, motorcyclists and walkers who spend a lot of time outdoors
- Children who make contact with animals faster
People at increased risk of animal contact
Consider vaccination even if you are during your trip:
- Staying in areas without adequate medical facilities
- Will work with animals or in nature
- Go cave climbing or caving (cave science)
- Volunteering in animal shelters
Professional risk groups
Certain occupational groups require preventive rabies vaccination:
- Veterinarians and veterinary assistants
- Staff of animal shelters and zoos
- Laboratory staff working with the rabies virus
- Border guards and customs staff in high-risk areas
When should you get vaccinated?
Preventive vaccination before departure
The rabies vaccination consists of multiple punctures spread over several weeks. For optimal protection you receive:
- Day 0: first vaccination
- Day 7: second vaccination
- Day 21 or 28: third vaccination (depending on schedule)
Start at least 4 weeks before departure with the vaccination series to be fully protected. Emergency schedules are available for last-minute travellers, but a regular schedule offers the best protection.
After possible contact with an infected animal
Have you had contact with a potentially infected animal? If so, seek medical attention immediately, even if you have already been vaccinated. Post-exposure treatment (post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP) is crucial.
Have you not been vaccinated? Then you get:
- Rabies immunoglobulin (antibodies) in and around the wound
- A full vaccination series (4-5 shots)
- Two extra punctures (day 0 and day 3)
- No immunoglobulin needed
Refresher vaccinations
The protection of a rabies vaccination lasts for a long time, but you may need refresher vaccinations if there is an ongoing risk:
- High risk (professional): blood control every 6 months to 2 years
- Average risk (regular travel): refresher vaccination after 2-5 years
- One-off trip: usually no refresher vaccination needed
Why is rabies vaccination so important?
Rabies is almost always fatal
The main reason for vaccination: rabies is practically incurable as soon as symptoms appear. Around 59,000 people worldwide die of rabies every year, mainly in Asia and Africa. In countries with many stray dogs, you are most at risk. Children make up 40% of victims because they are more likely to make contact with animals and often do not report bites.
Medical help is not available everywhere
In many travel destinations, adequate medical care is not readily available. Rabies immunoglobulin and vaccines are scarce or of poor quality in some countries.
Preventive vaccination offers you:
- More time to seek medical help
- Less urgency for immediate treatment
- Fewer punctures after exposure
- No immunoglobulin needed (often out of stock)
What to do in case of contact with a potentially infected animal?
First aid for a bite or scratch
On any bite, scratch or saliva contact, take these steps immediately:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water (at least 15 minutes)
- Disinfect with alcohol or iodine
- Seek medical attention immediately - also for small scratches
- Try to identify the animal but don't catch it yourself
Seeking medical treatment
Go directly to a doctor, hospital or vaccination point. Take this information with you:
- Type of animal (dog, cat, bat, monkey, etc.)
- Animal behaviour (aggressive, apathetic, frothing at the mouth)
- Your vaccination status (vaccinated/not vaccinated, when)
- Location and nature of wound
Don't wait until you are back in the Netherlands. Every day's delay increases the risk. Start treatment as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours.
Rabies vaccination at Vaccination Point
At Vaccination Point, you have come to the right place for expert advice and vaccinations against rabies. Our travel advisers assess your personal risk and advise on the most appropriate prevention.
What can you expect?
- Personalised tailor-made travel advice
- All required vaccinations in one location
- Digital International Vaccination Certificate
- Follow-up appointments at set times
- Aftercare and advice in case of questions
Schedule your rabies vaccination minimum 4 weeks before departure so that you are fully protected on your trip.
Frequently asked questions about rabies vaccination
How long are you protected after a rabies vaccination?
After a complete vaccination series (3 shots), you are protected for years. In case of ongoing risk, blood checks or refresher vaccinations are recommended. For one-time travellers, protection is often sufficient for life.
Is rabies vaccination mandatory for certain countries?
No, rabies vaccination is not compulsory for travellers anywhere. However, it is strongly recommended for travel destinations where rabies is prevalent, such as large parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Are the costs of rabies vaccination reimbursed?
Most health insurers reimburse travel vaccinations (partially) from the supplementary insurance. Check your policy conditions or ask your insurer which vaccinations are reimbursed.
Can you still be vaccinated after a dog bite?
Yes, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is very effective if started quickly. You can be treated even days after a bite, but the sooner the better. Never wait and seek medical attention immediately.
