Overview
Protects against rabies virus, a fatal disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, particularly dogs.
Recommended for travellers to rabies-endemic areas who will have limited access to prompt post-exposure treatment, those staying for extended periods, those engaging in activities with increased risk of animal bites (cycling, running, caving), and children (who are more likely to approach animals and less likely to report a bite).
Vaccination Schedule
Standard schedule: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): 2 doses given 7 days apart (WHO 2018 updated schedule). Previous schedule of 3 doses (0, 7, 21-28 days) also acceptable.
Accelerated schedule: Minimum schedule is 2 doses given 7 days apart (WHO 2018 recommendation). No further acceleration possible.
Route: Intramuscular injection (deltoid muscle). Intradermal route used in some clinics for cost savings (off-label in Australia).
Brands Available in Australia (TGA-Registered)
- Rabipur (Bavarian Nordic (distributed by GSK in Australia))
Cost in Australia
Estimated cost: $80-$120 per dose (2-dose pre-exposure course: $160-$240)
Medicare/PBS: Not funded under NIP or PBS for travellers. Available on private prescription. May be funded for occupational exposure (veterinarians, wildlife handlers, laboratory workers).
Efficacy & Duration
Efficacy: Virtually 100% seroconversion after 2-dose pre-exposure course
Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies post-exposure treatment: only 2 booster doses needed (days 0 and 3) rather than a full 4-dose course plus rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). RIG is extremely difficult to obtain in developing countries, making pre-exposure vaccination potentially lifesaving.
Duration of protection: Pre-exposure vaccination primes lifelong immune memory. Routine boosters are no longer recommended for travellers. Post-exposure boosters will still be needed after any potential rabies exposure regardless of pre-exposure vaccination status.
Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Injection site pain, redness, swelling, induration | Very common (>50%) |
| Headache, dizziness, malaise, myalgia | Common (10-50%) |
| Nausea, abdominal pain | Uncommon (1-10%) |
| Urticaria, lymphadenopathy | Rare (<1%) |
Contraindications
- Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine component
- For pre-exposure vaccination: defer during acute febrile illness (post-exposure vaccination should never be deferred regardless of contraindications)
Special Populations
Pregnancy
Category B2. Pre-exposure vaccination can be given in pregnancy if the risk of exposure is significant. Post-exposure vaccination must always be given regardless of pregnancy status as rabies is virtually 100% fatal.
Children
No minimum age restriction for rabies vaccine. Recommended for children travelling to endemic areas as they are at higher risk of animal bites and may not report exposures. Same dose and schedule as adults.
Immunocompromised Travellers
Safe to administer (inactivated vaccine). Immunocompromised individuals may have a reduced immune response. Post-vaccination serology recommended. If travelling to a high-risk area, consider the 3-dose schedule (0, 7, 21-28 days) rather than the 2-dose schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need rabies vaccine for South-East Asia?
It is strongly recommended, especially for countries like Thailand, Indonesia (including Bali), India, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Dog rabies is common across South-East Asia, and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) may be unavailable or in short supply in rural areas. Pre-exposure vaccination eliminates the need for RIG after a bite.
What do I do if I get bitten by a dog overseas?
Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, then apply an antiseptic. Seek medical attention urgently. If you have had pre-exposure vaccination, you need 2 booster doses on days 0 and 3. If unvaccinated, you need a full 4-dose course plus RIG, which may be hard to find overseas.
How much does rabies vaccine cost in Australia?
Rabipur costs approximately $80-$120 per dose. The 2-dose pre-exposure course costs $160-$240 plus consultation fees. Some travel clinics offer intradermal administration which uses less vaccine and can be cheaper, though this is off-label.
Is rabies vaccination worth it for a short holiday?
Consider the risk. If you are visiting urban tourist areas with no planned animal contact, risk is lower. But dog bites can happen unexpectedly, particularly in countries like Bali, Thailand, and India. Children, cyclists, runners, and adventure travellers are at higher risk. The vaccine is a life insurance policy.
How many doses of rabies vaccine do I need?
For pre-exposure protection, the current WHO recommendation is 2 doses given 7 days apart. The older 3-dose schedule (0, 7, 21-28 days) is also acceptable. After any potential rabies exposure, you will still need 2 additional booster doses regardless of pre-exposure vaccination status.
Do I need rabies boosters?
Routine boosters are no longer recommended for travellers. Pre-exposure vaccination primes lifelong immune memory. However, after any potential rabies exposure (bite, scratch, or lick on broken skin from a mammal), you must seek urgent post-exposure boosters regardless of when you were vaccinated.
Can I get rabies vaccine at the same time as other travel vaccines?
Yes. Rabipur is an inactivated vaccine and can be co-administered with other travel vaccines including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and yellow fever. Different injection sites should be used.
Is rabies really fatal?
Yes. Once symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal. There have been fewer than 20 documented survivors worldwide. This is why post-exposure treatment is so urgent and why pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended for travellers to endemic areas.
Sources & References
Last updated: April 2026