Rabies vaccination
On this page you can read all about the disease rabies and vaccination against it at Vaccination Point. Are you travelling to a region where you are at risk of infection? Then schedule your appointment at one of our locations in good time and travel safely.
What is rabies?
Rabies, also known as rabies, is a deadly infectious disease caused by a virus. One can become infected with rabies through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. When infected, the central nervous system is affected. The virus is rarely transmitted from person to person.
Where does it occur?
Rabies occurs all over the world, however, the risk varies by region. For example, many African countries have a high indication of rabies, especially in areas where people are in close contact with dogs and wild animals. But rabies also occurs in Asia (especially in India and China), Latin America and the Middle East.
Symptoms and risks
When infected with rabies, it can take one to three months (incubation period) until symptoms appear. At first, these are mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue and pain, tingling, or itching at the site of the bite.
After that, other symptoms occur:
- Increasing muscle cramps
- Convulsions in which the whole body begins to jerk uncontrollably
- Paralysis
- Difficulty swallowing
- Respiratory problems
- Sometimes a fear of water develops (hydrophobia)
Eventually, complications, such as swallowing and breathing problems, lead to death.
The period between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms usually ranges from 20 to 90 days. Rabies is almost always fatal as soon as symptoms appear, so early intervention is essential.
Vaccine series
Two doses
Protection duration
Life
Risk areas
Africa, East and South Asia, Latin America and Middle East
Vaccinating against rabies
Vaccination Point is the place to go for rabies vaccination. The vaccination consists of a series of two doses. The second dose follows at least seven days after the first. Complete rabies vaccination provides lifelong protection.
It is important to make sure you are vaccinated in time so that you are maximally protected upon arrival at your travel destination.
Costs and fees
For the current cost of the rabies vaccination, please take a look at the rates page. Please note! These amounts do not include (telephone) consultation fees. Depending on your health insurance, (part of) the vaccination may be reimbursed. See our fees page for possible reimbursement through your insurance.
Make an appointment immediately!
Wondering if you need a rabies (rabies) vaccination for your trip? Then make an appointment now at a Vaccination Point location near you and receive personalised travel and vaccination advice!
- Appointment made in one minute
- Also available evenings and weekends
- Reimbursed via your insurer
- LCR-registered
- 80+ locations in the Netherlands
Still have questions?
Do you still have questions about vaccinations at Vaccinatiepunt? Then take a look at the frequently asked questions below!
You can always check our website first for each destination. Then you can make an make an appointment. Our team will process your application; if it turns out that you do not need vaccinations, the appointment will be cancelled.
Ultimately, you decide for yourself. Vaccination Point can only advise which vaccinations are necessary for your trip or which vaccinations are recommended.
This is certainly possible. Almost all vaccinations can be given at the same time. With live attenuated vaccines, however, it is not recommended to take them at the same time, as this can significantly reduce the duration of protection of a vaccine. It is then recommended to leave at least four weeks between the two vaccines so that both maintain their full protection duration.
Some vaccinations require multiple doses at intervals of several weeks or months, so it is advisable to start arranging your vaccinations as early as possible. This will also give your immune system time to build up adequate protection. The timing depends on the nature and duration of your trip. As a guideline: for simple trips, make an appointment for the first consultation 4 - 8 weeks before departure, and for long-term or high-risk trips, more than six months in advance.
This question will be answered by the nurse during the consultation. You would do well to ask your treating doctor/specialist early on whether there are any objections from his/her side to your planned trip.
