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Is Rabies Shot Necessary While Travelling?
Hi,
I am travelling to India in two weeks where i will be visiting Delhi for 3-4 days, Agra for one day and Kerala for 7 days. I am wondering if I need to get my rabies shot? As I am currently an ex-pat living in China, I will have to pay a lot of money to even have a consultation with a doctor, so I don't ant to pay this money to be told that the shot isn't necessary.
Also, I leave for Inia in 14 days so won't have time to get the full course of shots- If you do advise the shots, are two better than none at all or i the treatment not effective unless i have the full course?
Many thanks in advance for your advice.
I am travelling to India in two weeks where i will be visiting Delhi for 3-4 days, Agra for one day and Kerala for 7 days. I am wondering if I need to get my rabies shot? As I am currently an ex-pat living in China, I will have to pay a lot of money to even have a consultation with a doctor, so I don't ant to pay this money to be told that the shot isn't necessary.
Also, I leave for Inia in 14 days so won't have time to get the full course of shots- If you do advise the shots, are two better than none at all or i the treatment not effective unless i have the full course?
Many thanks in advance for your advice.
posted on
Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 19 Jun 2014
Answered on
Fri, 20 Jun 2014
Last reviewed on
Hi..
As per guidlines, pre exposure prophylaxis should be given to travellers going to rabies endemic area. But the final decision vary from individual to individual. As vaccine is quite costly, various studies have proved that it is not cost- effective actually. It is usually recommended to persons who would have long stay (a year or so) in endemic area or specifically to children. In your case, as you are leaving in 14 days and will remain for 10 or so days and if it is not affordable , then you can go without it but only after making sure one thing that there must be rapid access to health care services and rabies immunoglobulin, if required.
I hope this information will be helpful to you.
Have a safe visit !!
As per guidlines, pre exposure prophylaxis should be given to travellers going to rabies endemic area. But the final decision vary from individual to individual. As vaccine is quite costly, various studies have proved that it is not cost- effective actually. It is usually recommended to persons who would have long stay (a year or so) in endemic area or specifically to children. In your case, as you are leaving in 14 days and will remain for 10 or so days and if it is not affordable , then you can go without it but only after making sure one thing that there must be rapid access to health care services and rabies immunoglobulin, if required.
I hope this information will be helpful to you.
Have a safe visit !!
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