Rabies vaccination in Wilmslow, Cheshire
Protect yourself before travelling with our rabies pre-exposure vaccination service in Wilmslow, Cheshire. A three-dose course for travellers to South Asia, Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and other rabies-endemic regions.
Rabies vaccine
- Standard: days 0, 7 and 21–28 · course £210
- Travelling sooner? Accelerated: days 0, 3 and 7 · £85 per dose, course £255
- Around 2–3 years’ protection
- Simplifies post-bite treatment
The rabies vaccine
Pre-exposure protection that buys vital time if you are ever bitten or scratched
Pre-exposure protection matters
Rabies attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, spread through bites, scratches or saliva from infected animals — dogs are responsible for around 99% of human cases worldwide. Pre-exposure vaccination is a three-dose course (days 0, 7, and 21 or 28), giving around 2 to 3 years’ protection. It doesn’t remove the need for medical care if you’re bitten, but it simplifies the treatment you’d need and buys valuable time in areas where care may be harder to reach.
Given on days 0, 7 and 21–28 — plan to book at least 4 weeks before you travel.
If vaccinated and later bitten, you’ll typically need just 2 more doses and no immunoglobulin — unvaccinated people need a full course of injections plus immunoglobulin, which isn’t always available locally.
Worth prioritising for remote or rural trips, trekking, and travel with children, who are more likely to be bitten and less likely to report it.
What is rabies?
A viral infection spread by animal bites, found in over 150 countries
Attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Spread through bites, scratches or saliva from infected animals — dogs cause around 99% of human cases.
Present in 150+ countries, particularly South Asia, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Pre-exposure vaccination, alongside prompt wound care, greatly improves your outlook if bitten.
Do you need this vaccine?
Recommended for travellers to rabies-endemic regions, especially remote areas
Remote & rural travellers
Especially worthwhile if you’re heading somewhere medical care and rabies immunoglobulin may be hard to access quickly.
- Remote or rural itineraries
- Trekking or adventure travel
- Families travelling with children
Occupational risk groups
Worth having if your work brings you into regular contact with animals abroad.
- Vets & wildlife researchers
- Bat handlers & fieldwork staff
- Extended or repeat travel abroad
What to expect at your appointment
We talk through your itinerary and confirm the course timing works for your trip.
Given the same day at your first appointment, in the upper arm.
We book your remaining doses on days 7 and 21–28 to complete the course before you travel.
Usually mild — soreness at the injection site, headache, nausea, muscle aches or a slight fever.
Children can be vaccinated too — worth considering given their higher bite risk.
Not available on the NHS for travel purposes, so we offer it privately with no referral needed.
Patients come to Wilmslow Pharmacy for rabies from Alderley Edge, Handforth, Knutsford, Poynton, Cheadle Hulme, Prestbury, Macclesfield, Stockport and south Manchester. We are at Summerfields Village Centre on Dean Row Road, SK9 2TA, with free parking outside, about five minutes from Wilmslow station. Book online for a same-day or next-day appointment, or call 01625 523414.
Common questions
Does vaccination mean I don’t need treatment if I’m bitten?
No — you’ll still need medical attention if bitten or scratched, even after the pre-exposure course. What changes is the treatment: vaccinated people typically need just 2 more doses and no immunoglobulin, rather than a full course of injections plus immunoglobulin.
How soon before travel should I start the course?
Book at least 4 weeks before you travel, so you have time to complete all three doses (given on days 0, 7 and 21–28).
What should I do if I’m bitten or scratched abroad?
Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, apply antiseptic, and get medical attention as soon as you can — this matters whether or not you’ve been vaccinated.
Is there a faster schedule if I’m short on time?
A 2-dose accelerated schedule may be possible in limited circumstances — contact us to discuss your travel dates and we’ll advise what’s suitable.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are usually mild — soreness at the injection site, headache, nausea, muscle aches or a slight fever. Serious reactions are rare.
Book your rabies vaccination
Pick a time that suits you at our Wilmslow clinic.
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Protect yourself before you travel
Book your rabies vaccination with our friendly team in Wilmslow today. Quick, convenient and professional.