Rabies Vaccine in Hornchurch
Healthcare Pharmacy, Hornchurch, offers pre-exposure rabies vaccination for travellers visiting countries where rabies is endemic. Our pharmacists provide a full clinical consultation and administer the complete three-dose vaccination course.
What is Rabies Vaccine?
Rabies is a fatal viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite, scratch, or lick of an infected animal, most commonly dogs. Once clinical symptoms develop, rabies is almost universally fatal. Rabies is endemic across much of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where access to post-exposure treatment may be limited or unavailable. Pre-exposure vaccination does not eliminate the need for medical treatment following a potential exposure, but significantly simplifies post-exposure management.
Who Should Receive This Vaccination?
- Travellers visiting rural or remote areas in Asia, Africa, or Latin America where access to post-exposure treatment is limited
- Long-term travellers, expatriates, and volunteers working overseas
- Individuals working with animals, veterinary professionals, and wildlife researchers
- Adventure travellers, cyclists, and those engaging in activities that increase the risk of animal contact
- Children travelling to endemic areas, who are at higher risk due to their tendency to interact with animals
Vaccination Schedule
The pre-exposure rabies vaccination course consists of three doses administered on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28. It is important to complete the course at least one month before travel where possible. Following a potential exposure, vaccinated individuals still require two further doses of vaccine (rather than the full post-exposure course) and do not require rabies immunoglobulin, which may be difficult to source abroad.
Book An Appointment
Private Clinical Consultation
Speak with an experienced pharmacist for personalised healthcare advice based on your medical history and individual requirements.
Book an appointment
Select a time that suits you and book your consultation quickly with our simple online appointment system.
Expert Pharmacy Guidance
Receive professional advice, treatment recommendations and ongoing support from our knowledgeable pharmacy team.
Why Choose Healthcare Pharmacy, Hornchurch ?
Rabies vaccination requires careful scheduling to ensure the course is completed before travel. Healthcare Pharmacy in Hornchurch can accommodate all three doses within a condensed timeframe and advise on what to do in the event of a potential exposure whilst abroad. Our pharmacists provide clear guidance on avoiding animal contact and emergency procedures whilst travelling.
Useful Links:
You can check the following websites for the latest news and updates on Rabies, vaccines, and NHS health advice:
Frequently Asked Question
How many injections are required for the rabies vaccine?
The pre-exposure rabies vaccination course consists of three injections, administered on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28. It is important to complete all three doses before travel, ideally at least one month before departure. Healthcare Pharmacy in Hornchurch can accommodate all three doses within a condensed timeframe for travellers with limited time before departure.
If I have had the rabies vaccine, do I still need treatment after an animal bite?
Yes. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination does not eliminate the need for post-exposure treatment. However, it significantly simplifies management. Vaccinated individuals require only two further doses of vaccine after potential exposure, given on days 0 and 3, and do not require rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). This is important because RIG may be unavailable or of uncertain quality in many countries where rabies is endemic. Our pharmacists at Healthcare Pharmacy will advise on what to do in the event of a potential exposure.
Is the rabies vaccine recommended for travel to India or South-East Asia?
Yes. Rabies is endemic across the Indian subcontinent and much of South-East Asia, where dog bites represent the most common route of transmission. The vaccine is particularly recommended for long-term travellers, those visiting rural areas, adventure travellers, and children. Healthcare Pharmacy in Hornchurch provides the full pre-exposure rabies vaccination course for travellers to these regions.
What should I do if I am bitten by an animal abroad?
If you are bitten, scratched, or licked on broken skin by an animal in a rabies-endemic country, you should immediately and thoroughly wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, apply an antiseptic, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Do not delay. Post-exposure treatment must begin promptly. Contact a local hospital or clinic immediately and inform them that you may have been exposed to rabies. Pre-exposure vaccination will simplify the treatment you require
How long does the rabies vaccine last?
Following completion of the three-dose pre-exposure course, immunity can persist for many years. Routine booster doses are not currently recommended for most travellers in the UK unless you are at continued occupational risk, such as veterinary professionals or laboratory workers. However, it is important to know your antibody levels if you are at high risk. Our pharmacists at Healthcare Pharmacy in Hornchurch can advise on whether a booster or antibody testing is appropriate for your circumstances.
Professional Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Suitability for any treatment or service will be assessed on an individual basis by our pharmacy team, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. If you have concerns about your health, please speak to your GP, contact NHS 111, or, in an emergency, call 999.
Our Pharmacy In Hornchurch
- Healthcare Pharmacy
- 2 Tadworth Parade, Hornchurch RM12 5AS, United Kingdom
- +44 17084 51459
- healthcarepharmacy.elmpark@gmail.com
Quick Links
Pharmacy Info
- GPhC Registration Number: 2218985
- Limited Company Registration No: 14669990
- Superintendent pharmacist: Harnish Shah
Contact Info
- Name: Healthcare Pharmacy
- +44 1708 451459
- healthcarepharmacy.elmpark@gmail.com
- 2 Tadworth Parade, Hornchurch RM12 5AS, United Kingdom
Working Hours
- Monday - Friday: 8:30am to 6:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am to 1:00pm
- Sunday: Closed
