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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Effective Is Rabies Vaccination?

Hi there! (I m not sure if you are the right person to be asking, but..) I m hopefully going to Africa in April; I ve got most of my vaccinations, but I was told that Rabies is optional, and that as long as you get hospital treatment asap, you don t need it as the first course of treatment is the vaccine ... I m not sure how true this is, but I thought it best to get a professional opinion before making up my mind! I will be camping and outside a lot, but how effective is the vaccination and what are the significant pro s for having it against not having it? Many thanks, Charlotte
posted on Fri, 1 Mar 2013
Twitter Fri, 1 Mar 2013 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 2 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hi Charlotte,
Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic,
As you are going to Africa and you have to campaign outside a lot there is risk for animal bite especially dog bite.
In this situation I advise you to take anti rabies vaccination prior to going Africa as a pre-exposure prophylaxis.
As rabies vaccine is safe and preformed antibodies against rabies due to pre-exposure prophylaxis always more protective than post exposure prophylaxis and more appropriate in risky professions and regions.
Hope I have answered your query.
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How Effective Is Rabies Vaccination?

Hi Charlotte, Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic, As you are going to Africa and you have to campaign outside a lot there is risk for animal bite especially dog bite. In this situation I advise you to take anti rabies vaccination prior to going Africa as a pre-exposure prophylaxis. As rabies vaccine is safe and preformed antibodies against rabies due to pre-exposure prophylaxis always more protective than post exposure prophylaxis and more appropriate in risky professions and regions. Hope I have answered your query.