Rabies Vaccine
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a rare viral infection of the central nervous system most often transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mammal.
Transmission from salivary contamination of scratches, broken skin, or mucous membranes without a bite is rare — but possible.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. However, it is preventable with timely rabies vaccination.
Pre-exposure immunization produces rabies-neutralizing antibodies for high-risk individuals.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective in preventing rabies when administered promptly.
What Are the Symptoms of Rabies?
Incubation Period
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The incubation period can vary from days to several years, but is typically 1 to 3 months.
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Bites to highly innervated areas — including the face, neck, and hands — carry a higher risk and may result in shorter incubation periods due to the shorter distance the virus must travel to the brain.
Early Symptoms
Advanced Symptoms
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Fever
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Headache
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Fatigue
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Pain, tingling, or numbness at the bite site
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Anxiety or agitation
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Difficulty swallowing
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Hydrophobia (fear of water)
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Muscle spasms
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Paralysis
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Confusion
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Seizures
Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal.
Immediate medical evaluation is critical after any potential exposure.
How Does Rabies Spread?
Rabies spreads through:
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Bite from an infected mammal
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Saliva entering broken skin
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Saliva contacting mucous membranes
Common carriers worldwide include:
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Dogs
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Bats
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Raccoons
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Skunks
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Foxes
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Monkeys
Rabies is not spread through intact skin or casual contact.
Who Should Get the Rabies Vaccine?
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended for:
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Veterinarians and veterinary staff
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Animal control and wildlife workers
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Laboratory workers handling rabies virus
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Hunters and trappers in confirmed rabies areas
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Spelunkers (cave explorers)
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Certain travellers to rabies-endemic countries
Post-exposure prophylaxis requires a clinical risk assessment after potential exposure.
Where is Rabies Common?
Rabies occurs worldwide except Antarctica.
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Highest risk: Asia and Africa
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Moderate risk: Central and South America
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Canada: Rabies occurs in wildlife including bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes
Access to rabies immune globulin may be limited in some countries, making pre-exposure vaccination important for travellers.
Rabies Vaccine Schedule
Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccine
Depending on risk category:
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Most very high and high-risk individuals:
3-dose series OR 2 doses plus a booster, depending on risk level.
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Moderate risk (short-term, immunocompetent individuals):
2 doses: Day 0 and Day 7.
Post-Exposure Rabies Treatment
If exposed:
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Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
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Seek medical care immediately
Post-exposure prophylaxis may include rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin.
View Travel Clinic current vaccine pricing here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often do you need a rabies shot?
Vaccination depends on risk category.
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Moderate short-term risk individuals: 2 doses (Day 0 and Day 7)
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Higher-risk groups: may require additional doses or boosters
Are rabies vaccines free in Canada?
Rabies vaccine is publicly funded for post-exposure treatment.
Pre-exposure vaccination for travel is typically not publicly funded.
Is 7 days too late for rabies vaccine after a bite?
No. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis should be started as soon as possible after exposure, even if several days have passed.
When should a rabies vaccine be given?
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Before travel to rabies-endemic regions
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For occupational risk
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After any potential exposure
Immediate medical assessment is essential after suspected exposure.
Why Choose Whole Health Travel Clinic in Edmonton?
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One-stop travel health service — assessment, prescriptions, and vaccines in one visit
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Yellow Fever designated vaccination centre (PHAC certified)
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No consultation fee
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No injection fee
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Personalized travel vaccine plan
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Fast appointments in Edmonton