Rabies 7.19.24 – Odyssey Travel Health

Rabies

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT RABIES AND THE VACCINE

Updated December 2023

If you are travelling abroad in places with wild animals, you may ask yourself “Do I need a rabies shot before I go?”. Here are 5 things about rabies vaccines to help you decide.

1. IF YOU ARE EXPOSED, YOU NEED TO SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY WHETHER OR NOT YOU HAD THE PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHLAXIS SERIES (PrEP)

First, and foremost, understand that if you are bit or have a potential exposure, such as waking up in an enclosed space with a bat, you need to seek care. It may turn out that you do not need treatment based on a risk assessment by a health care provider but seek care immediately.

The recommended POSTexposure prophylaxis (PEP) consists of a dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and rabies vaccine given on the day of the rabies exposure, and then a dose of vaccine given again on days 3, 7, and 14 per the CDC. That is for an individual who did not complete the PRE-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) rabies vaccine series. If the PrEP was completed, then no HRIG is needed and vaccines are given on days 0 and 3.

2. THE VACCINE IS EXPENSIVE

The vaccine can cost upwards of $400 per dose. Some insurance plans will cover it, some only cover it if you were exposed and some do not cover it at all. You can contact your insurance plan directly to find out.

3. YOU WILL NEED MULTIPLE DOSES

The recommended PrEP is vaccine given on days 0 and 7 (changed from 3 to 2 doses in May 2022). As mentioned above, if you have an exposure you will need 2 or 4 doses depending on your vaccination status.

4. PROTECTIONG FROM THE VACCINE DOES NOT LAST FOREVER

Booster doses are recommended depending on your risk level and how long since your last rabies vaccine. For example, if you are traveling for a long trip to areas where rabid dogs are common and it has been more than 3 years since your last rabies vaccine, you likely would repeat the PrEP series.

5. MOST US TRAVELERS DO NOT NEED IT

Getting PrEP is recommended if you are likely to come in contact with animals in a place where dog or other animal rabies is common and/or immediate access to appropriate medical care might be limited. For most people traveling abroad, the risk is low especially if you exercise precaution and avoid animals while traveling. Kids actually are more likely to contract it because they are more likely to play with animals and to not report a bite.

Still wondering if you need rabies vaccines before your trip? Book a consultation with us now!

At Odyssey, we believe in making it as convenient as possible for you to get the care you need for travel. You already have enough on your plate to prepare for your trip. This part should be easy! We have been doing this for over 8 years. We know what you need and will answer your questions. We also are 5-Star rated on Google and provide excellent customer service to all international travelers in Washington State.

Are you ready check this part of your trip off your list? Then book an appointment with us now!

    
 
 
        
   Marisa Gronholz 
 August 6, 2023
 
 
  We needed some last minute meds for international travel and this was so easy and the whole process was so thorough and professional and a great experience all around. I highly recommend!
  
 
       
   haji mirkab 
 July 14, 2023
 
 
  Lisa was a very excellent to communicate with her and I will see her back again.
  
 
       
   Robert Bruggner 
 July 1, 2023
 
 
  I had a wonderful experience with Odyssey Travel Health. Lisa provided thoughtful health recommendations for my upcoming trip and was convenient to chat with via a Telehealth visit. Much appreciated and highly recommended!
  
 
       
   Ruchira Choudhari 
 June 15, 2023
 
 
  My husband and I received a limited travel consultation, and we were both very pleased with the service. Lisa was extremely helpful in assisting us with finding a suitable pharmacy for the yellow fever vaccine, prescribing antimalarials and altitude sickness medicines. We appreciated her dedication to ensuring that we were well-informed about the necessary medications for our trip. Additionally, she was prompt in responding to our messages, which we found very reassuring.
  
 
       
   Kaeli Creighton 
 May 26, 2023
 
 
  Lisa at Odyssey Health was so easy to work with. She was able to get my fiancé and I in the same day I called to ensure we were prepared for our upcoming trip. She was personable and thorough.
  
 
       
   M M 
 March 28, 2023
 
 
  Odyssey Travel Health was really easy to use and had excellent customer service. The online forms were very easy to fill out and Lisa was very knowledgeable. Even though I'm not local, she was able to send my prescriptions to a pharmacy near me. Since they're a small business, their customer service is excellent. I highly recommend Odyssey Travel Health!