rabiesrabiesDeaths from rabies each year exceed those from polio, meningococcal meningitis, yellow fever and dengue aprox 70,000 each year (WHO estimate).
Travellers who may be or have been exposed to rabies can be vaccinated in the U.K with safe highly immunogenic vaccines.
Advisable for :-those having regular contact with animals in countries where rabies is present e.g. veterinarians, zoologists.
Those going to countries where rabies is endemic and at least 24 hours away from a reliable source of post exposure vaccine and rabies specific immunoglobulin.
Health and laboratory workers who may come into contact with specimens or individuals infected with the virus.
Immunisation is usually given by 3 intra muscular injections given in the deltoid region over a 28 day period. Booster doses are required for those at continuous risk every 2 to 5 years. Where post exposure vaccination is known to be readily available two doses 28 days apart may be given with a booster at 6-12 months and then every two to three years for those at continuous risk.
further information
www.who.int/health-topics/rabies.htm