Rabies vaccine

What is rabies?

Rabies is a rare but dangerous disease of the central nervous system. It is caused by the rabies virus, which is transmitted by infected animals, mainly dogs, bats, raccoons and foxes.

An infected animal's bite or scratch, saliva that comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the human body (nose, eyes, mouth) or minor wounds may lead to this infection.

The infection can be caused by a bite or scratch from an infected animal, saliva coming into contact with the mucous membranes of the human body (nose, eyes, mouth) or minor wounds.

Rabies is a deadly disease, and vaccination is essential for protection against infection.

The typical incubation period for rabies ranges from 4 to 12 weeks. The virus travels through the nerves to the brain and spinal cord, causing acute inflammation. Early symptoms may resemble those of the flu and can last for several days. Additionally, the bite site may cause tingling, stinging, burning, or itching sensations.

Later symptoms of infection include severe agitation, restlessness, speech problems, visual and auditory hallucinations, headaches, nausea, difficulty swallowing, hydrophobia, photophobia, alternating episodes of rage and depression. The final stage is paralysis and death within a few days.

The rabies vaccine contains inactivated rabies virus, so there is no risk of infection during vaccination.

Who should be vaccinated?

Preventive vaccination (before exposure to the virus) is intended for people at high risk of rabies infection, including:

• adults and children who live in or travel to regions where there is a risk of rabies infection;
• animal handlers, especially those who come into contact with bats;
• staff working in scientific research laboratories;
• veterinarians, foresters and zoo workers;
• cavers.

Rabies is not common in developed countries. Vaccination is recommended for people travelling to Asia, Africa, Central and South America, depending on the individual risks and the purpose of the trip (e.g. exposure to infected animals such as stray dogs, cats, monkeys or bats, hiking or camping, especially in rural areas). This is particularly important for children, who are generally more trusting of animals. In countries such as Indonesia, Peru, Turkey and Tanzania, the likelihood of infection is high.

Post-exposure vaccines against rabies are given to people who have had contact with an infected or suspected animal. Medicover does not provide post-exposure vaccinations. Infectious disease clinics offer this service free of charge.

How many doses of vaccine should be given?

The number of doses depends on the method of vaccination. According to:

• traditional vaccination: 3 doses are given intramuscularly on days zero, 7, 21 or 28;
• weekly (two-dose) procedure; the second dose is given intramuscularly 7 days after the first dose.

If the vaccine is administered subcutaneously, two doses are given on days 1 and 7 (one injection in each arm for adults and children or in each anterolateral thigh for infants and young children).

The two-dose schedule does not apply to people with weakened immune systems. The booster dose is given 1 year after the primary vaccination, depending on the individual's risk of exposure, and then booster doses are given every 5 years.

How long does the vaccine provide protection?

Vaccination against rabies provides protection for approximately 10 years. 

Post-vaccination reactions

Post-vaccination reactions usually occur within 3 days of vaccination and resolve spontaneously within 1 to 3 days. The most common reactions are: general malaise, headache, muscle aches, general body aches, redness and swelling at the injection site. Infants may become irritable, excessively sleepy or cry uncontrollably.

1. First, select the city/town and Medicover Medical Centre where you wish to be vaccinated.

   IMPORTANT: The vaccination does not include an appointment with a travel medicine doctor. If this is not included in the health plan, patients should purchase the qualification separately.

2. After paying for the vaccination package, please book a Vaccine Qualification appointment - this is mandatory before any vaccine is administered. The vaccination will take place immediately after the qualification appointment. Book your appointment at the reception of the Medicover Medical Centre or call the Medicover hotline on +48 500 900 550.
3. If the doctor does not qualify you for the vaccination, you will need to book a follow-up appointment on a date specified by the doctor. This follow-up appointment will be charged extra, unless it is already included in your healthcare package.