Menu
Download The Westbury Chemist App! Available on iPhone & Android
Rabies Vaccination
Streatham
We’re local to surrounding areas such as Norbury, Brixton, Mitcham, Dulwich and more.
Animals can be dangerous when travelling abroad, so be aware of them. Despite their friendly disposition, rabies can be transmitted to people of all ages by a simple scratch. Westbury Chemist in Streatham offers Rabies vaccinations to keep you protected on your travels.
Three reasons why you should take the rabies vaccine
1. Stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies
2. Stay protected from infected animals
3. Stay 100% protected by taking the rabies vaccine
Available Rabies Vaccinations at Westbury Chemist, Streatham
Single Dose Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted to humans usually by a bite or scratch from an infected animal (usually a dog). The virus attacks the central nervous system causing, progressive damage to the brain and spinal cord. Once symptoms are present, rabies is almost always fatal.
Three Doses Full Course Rabies Vaccine
- 3 Doses
- Injection Vaccination
- To Be Taken Day 0, Day 7, Day 21 to Day 28
What is Rabies?
Rabies is an infectious disease that affects humans through infected animals. Dog bites and scratches cause 99% of cases of rabies. It is not just dogs that are capable of transmitting rabies, since cats can also contract it. Infected dogs are generally strays, and rabies is common on all continents except Antarctica.
Symptoms of Rabies
The moment you’ve been bitten or scratched by an infected animal, you’ll start to experience symptoms of the infection. It may start to feel like you’re coming down with the flu, do not ignore this and take it like the flu. Rabies can be almost fatal and you could die if not treated quickly. Some of the symptoms of rabies may include:
- Weakness
- Fever
- Headache
- Discomfort
- Itching
If these symptoms are not addressed quickly, they can eventually cause health complications such as Cerebral dysfunction, agitation anxiety and confusion.
Side effects of the Rabies Vaccine
Like most injections, after the rabies vaccine, you experience redness, swelling and some soreness in the area where the injection took place for 24-48 hours.
According to the NHS, in rare circumstances you experience:
- A mildly high temperature
- Headache
- Muscle soreness and
- Achiness
- A rash
- Vomiting.
The rabies vaccine in the UK contains a deactivated form of the rabies virus, this means that you cannot catch rabies once you’ve been vaccinated. The vaccine will allow your body to produce the antibodies it needs to stay protected from scratches and bites from dogs, cats and other animals that are infected.
Who can take the Rabies Vaccine?
Rabies vaccines are available for people of all ages. The vaccine is recommended before travelling to areas where the infection is likely. You should also take the vaccine if you are travelling to a place with limited medical care.
You should book your vaccination appointment as soon as possible at Westbury Chemist if your travels include a stay of more than a month and you are planning activities that may pose a risk to your health.
The vaccine is administered over a four-week period. Plan ahead and make sure that you complete the vaccine course before you leave the UK in order to accomplish this effectively.
Rabies Vaccination for pregnant women
Pregnant women can take the rabies vaccination if there is limited medical care and you’re aware that you’re going to be in an area of high risk.
Available treatments for Rabies
There is no known treatment for rabies once the infection has been established. Once the infection is set and you’re not vaccinated usually causes death. If you’re aware of travelling to a country that is at high risk of rabies, take the vaccine. It’ll protect you 100% from the infection. See TravelHealthPro discover if the country you are travelling to has a high-risk rate of rabies disease.
Preventing infections from Rabies
If you’re local to Streatham or surrounding areas and are travelling soon, the best way to prevent infections is by taking the vaccine. Anything else is a risk on your part. Westbury Chemist and the NHS advise that you take the full rabies vaccination course before you travel abroad.
Animals that spread Rabies
According to the NHS, all animals carry rabies but the most common list they provide is as follows:
- Dogs
- Bats
- Raccoons
- Foxes
- Jackals
- Cats
- Mongoose
Other than bites and scratches, if you have an open wound and the animal licks you or their saliva passes into your mouth, you could be at risk of contracting the infection.
FAQ for Rabies
The rabies vaccine protects you for 10 years. If you’ve had the vaccine within the 10 years mark and are not sure if you need a booster, contact your doctor, GP or pharmacist.
At Westbury Chemist we offer 2 types of vaccinations against rabies.
- Single Dose Rabies Vaccine – £70.00
- Full Course Rabies Vaccine – £199.50
Yes, the rabies vaccination is available at Westbury Chemist in Streatham.
Anyone travelling to an area of high risk is eligible to take the rabies vaccination. This also includes pregnant women.
Yes, the NHS recommend the vaccination for anyone who is travelling to a high-risk area and people who are working with animals.
In case of bites, scratches, or coming into contact with infected animals, seek medical attention and clean the wound immediately. It is essential that you clean any wounds or scratches you may have received after being vaccinated and you come into contact with an infected animal. As long as you have taken the vaccination, you will not be susceptible to infection.
Directions to our Travel Clinic
- Drive: We’re a 4-minute drive from Streatham Station to Westbury Chemist
- Transport: We’re an 8-minute bus ride away from Streatham Station. Use the buses: 50, 118, 133, 250, P13
- Walk: We’re a 15-minute walk away from Streatham station
- Cycle: 5-minute bike ride away from Streatham station
- Drive: We’re a 4-minute drive from Streatham Hill Station to Westbury Chemist
- Transport: We’re a 6-minute bus ride away from Streatham Hill Station. Use the buses: 57, 109, 133, 159, 201
- Walk: We’re a 6-minute walk away from Streatham Hill Station
- Cycle: 4-minute bike ride away from Streatham Hill Station
- Drive: We’re a 8-minute drive from Streatham Common Station to Westbury Chemist
- Transport: We’re a 10-minute bus ride away from Streatham Common Station. Use the buses: 118, 50,109, 250, 255, 57, 201, 333
- Walk: We’re a 27-minute walk away from Streatham Common Station
- Cycle: 9-minute bike ride away from Streatham Common Station
