Rabies is a very serious disease. Rabies in humans is almost always fatal. People get the rabies virus when they are bitten by an infected animal. The onset of symptoms may take weeks or even months. The symptoms can include pain, fatigue, headaches, fever, and irritability. These symptoms are then followed by seizures, hallucinations and paralysis.

There are many mammals that can spread rabies to humans. However the most common are dogs and bats. Bites from bats can occur during sleep and may be difficult to detect.

The preexposure schedule for rabies vaccination involves three doses given over a period of 21-28 days. Following this, should exposure occur a further dose should be given immediately and another dose after three days.

Vaccination may also be given after exposure. This course involves four doses of rabies vaccine given over a period of 14 days. The vaccination should start immediately after exposure and Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) must also be given immediately.
However the availability and reliability of rabies vaccine and RIG is questionable in many countries. Therefore preexposure vaccination prior to travel is recommended.

Side effects of rabies vaccine include redness, swelling, pain, and itching where the shot was given. Some people also get headaches, nausea, muscle aches and joint pains.
Rabies vaccine is made from killed rabies virus. It cannot cause rabies.

To get your Rabies vaccine call the GTA Travel Clinic and Vaccination Centre at 905 303 1900. We cover the GTA Toronto, Richmond Hill and Woodbridge areas for Rabies Vaccine

Please note: The information in this document is provided for general information purposes only. Nothing takes the place of speaking with a travel doctor. This information and your receipt thereof is not intended to be, nor shall be deemed to be, informed consent by you to any medical care or treatment whatsoever. Please consult our doctors at the GTA Travel Clinic and Vaccination Centre for a proper medical assessment.

Please note that the vaccine is not a benefit of O.H.I.P.

If you have private health insurance through work or school you may be covered for vaccines. With your payment we will provide you with an invoice (with the unique Drug Identification Number for each vaccine) so you can claim your expenses back from your insurance company.

Insurance companies will require Drug Identification Numbers for each vaccine in order to reimburse you.

Click here to find the names and phone numbers of major Insurance Companies.