Rabies Vaccination Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

Rabies Vaccination Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

If you are in a high-risk position of being exposed to rabies, schedule an appointment at an Anna Pharmacy Travel Clinic to get your rabies vaccination in Croydon, Wallington, Sutton, Hackbridge, and Carshalton.

Many myths surround the ‘when and why’ of getting the rabies vaccination. In this article we are going to separate fact from fiction and the most common rabies vaccination myths will be debunked!

THE MOST COMMON RABIES VACCINATION MYTHS

Myth #1: Everyone should get the rabies vaccine.

Fact: The rabies vaccination is only recommended if you live or will be travelling to an area or country where rabies is common or if you’ve been bitten or scratched by a wild animal or a domestic animal that may potentially have rabies. If you’ll be travelling to a high-risk area, schedule your rabies vaccination in Croydon at Anna Pharmacy today.

Myth #2: The rabies vaccine is only moderately effective at preventing rabies.

Fact: The vaccine provides 100% protection if taken prior to or immediately after getting bitten by a potentially rabid animal.

Myth #3: The rabies vaccine provides lifelong protection.

Fact: Once you complete the full course of the rabies vaccination in Croydon, protection usually lasts for 6 months to 2 years – boosters are recommended for those at continued high risk.

Myth #4: If you’ve been bitten by an animal with rabies, the rabies vaccine can cure it. 

Fact: The rabies vaccine taken post-exposure can prevent the onset of rabies symptoms if it’s taken immediately. However, if someone is already experiencing symptoms, there is no treatment for it, and it is usually fatal within 1-2 weeks.

Myth #5: The rabies vaccine causes serious side effects.  

Fact: In general, the side effects (if any) are mild and may include discomfort at the injection site, nausea, or headache.

Myth #6: The NHS offers the rabies vaccination for free.

Fact: The rabies vaccination is not available for free on the NHS for travellers. However, if you work with certain wild animals and this puts you in a high-risk category, you may be able to get the rabies vaccination for free.

Book Your Rabies Vaccination in Sutton at Anna Pharmacy Travel Clinic

Anna Pharmacy offers comprehensive pre-travel services including routine and travel vaccinations, antimalarial medication, as well as travel health advice for an illness-free trip.

Click here to book your travel rabies vaccination in Wallington, Sutton, Hackbridge, Carshalton, or Croydon today.