Essential pre-exposure courses for wildlife handlers and individuals travelling to high-risk rabies or lyssavirus regions.
Rabies is a fatal viral infection transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites or deep scratches. While classic land-dwelling rabies does not exist in Australia, it is endemic in many popular overseas travel destinations.
Locally, Australia is home to the closely related Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV), which poses a severe occupational hazard to wildlife carers. At Moss Vale Community Pharmacy, we provide the Rabies Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) vaccine to help safeguard travellers and animal handlers against these deadly viruses before an exposure occurs.
Why Pre-Exposure Vaccination is Crucial
If you are bitten by a potentially rabid animal while unvaccinated, you require immediate emergency treatment with a specialized product called Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG), followed by a series of vaccines. In many developing countries, RIG is incredibly difficult—or impossible—to find. Having the pre-exposure vaccine course means you will not need the hard-to-find RIG if you are bitten, and you will only need a simplified course of booster shots, buying you vital time to seek medical care.
Understanding the Course and Protection
The Vaccination Schedule
The standard Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) course typically requires three doses administered over a 3 to 4-week period (usually on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28). If you are travelling, you must start this course well in advance of your departure to ensure you are fully protected.
Post-Bite Protocol
It is vital to understand that the PrEP vaccine does not eliminate the need for medical attention after an animal bite or scratch. If exposed, you must immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes and seek urgent medical care for your booster shots.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Because the vaccination course takes time to complete, it is recommended that the following groups plan ahead and receive their pre-exposure doses.
✈️ Travellers to Endemic Areas
Backpackers, expats, and tourists spending more than a month in rural parts of Asia, Africa, or Central and South America, especially where access to emergency medical facilities and Rabies Immunoglobulin is limited.
🦇 Wildlife Handlers & Vets
Australian bat handlers, wildlife rescuers, veterinarians, and veterinary nurses who may come into contact with bats (which can carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus) or imported animals.
🧒 Children Travelling Overseas
Children are statistically at higher risk of rabies because they are more likely to approach and play with animals, and they may not report a small bite, scratch, or lick from a stray dog or monkey to their parents.
🏕️ Remote & Adventure Travellers
Cyclists, hikers, and cave explorers heading overseas who have an increased risk of encountering stray dogs, monkeys, or bats in areas far from medical hubs.
Plan Ahead for Your Safety
Ensure you are protected before your trip or before starting work with wildlife. Book your consultation with our immunising pharmacists to start your PrEP course.
To discuss your itinerary or occupational requirements, call us on
02 4868 1293
Moss Vale Community Pharmacy | 412 Argyle Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) requires multiple doses over several weeks; please plan ahead. In the event of any animal bite or scratch, whether overseas or from an Australian bat, wash the wound vigorously for 15 minutes with soap and water and seek emergency medical attention immediately, regardless of your vaccination status.