Some travellers are at greater risk of being bitten or scratched by animals, and this increases the likelihood of exposure to the rabies virus.
Rabies occurs worldwide, so it’s important to be aware of what to do to avoid it.
Rabies is fatal unless it is treated before it become symptomatic. The early symptoms appear within a week or two of the bite or exposure.
Take animal bites seriously: get medical advice as soon as possible. Do not wait until you return to Canada.
Which travellers should get vaccinated against rabies?
Groups of travellers who are most at risk from rabies who may be recommended the vaccine include:
- children
- people working as vets, in zoos or in animal shelters
- people working with wildlife
- hunters and trappers
- people who go caving
Some destinations have limited access to safe and effective post-exposure preventive treatment for rabies. This includes remote areas where you may have to travel for many days to access healthcare.
Where can I get information about the risk of rabies at my destination?
At your travel health appointment, the travel health nurse or pharmacist will have up-to-date information about the rabies situation at the place you’re visiting. They will be able to help you decide whether the rabies vaccine is appropriate for your trip.
How can I get vaccinated against rabies?
If you need a rabies vaccine for your trip abroad, a travel health pharmacist can prescribe it and administer it. The rabies vaccine is administered in three shots over three to four weeks. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a travel health appointment six to eight weeks before your departure date. It’s quick and easy to make a travel health appointment with Canadian Travel Clinics. Use our clinics page to find your nearest branch and book an appointment online.
Can I get a last-minute rabies vaccine?
As mentioned above, the rabies vaccine is effective when administered in three doses over three to four weeks. But if you are travelling at the last minute and need to get vaccinated against rabies, come and see us anyway and we will advise on the best course of action. We often have same-day appointments, so call us on 1 888 672 0005.
Can I get a rabies booster?
A rabies booster can be given every ten years and is a cost-effective way of extending the protection of the rabies vaccine. Ask at your appointment if you think you need a rabies booster.
How can I avoid exposure to rabies?
To reduce the chances of exposure to rabies, don’t feed or pet animals you don’t know, particularly stray or wild animals. That goes double if the animal is acting in an unusual way. Animals may act excited or unusually docile when infected with rabies. Wild creatures with rabies can appear friendly.
Closely supervise children when animals are about and act immediately if your child is bitten or scratched.
To learn more about avoiding rabies, see the rabies information from the Government of Canada.
First aid for animal bites
Get medical advice for an animal bite, even if you have been vaccinated against rabies. You will still need to have preventive treatment in the form of the rabies post-exposure vaccine.
In the first instance, clean the bite wound with soap and water, flushing it with water for at least 15 minutes. Don’t cover the wound. Get medical advice promptly if you are bitten or scratched by an animal. A healthcare professional can assess your risk of exposure to the rabies virus and help you to access preventive treatment for rabies.