// Pre-Exposure Course

Private Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccination at Our Medway Travel Clinic

Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is essential for remote travellers, book at our Chatham clinic today.

Rabies Vaccine

(Rabipur/Verorab)

£85
3 doses
21–28 days
Days 0, 7, 28 (at least 5 weeks before travel)
Days 0, 3, 7 (Rabipur only); requires 12-month booster
Recommended every 2–5 years for ongoing risk
Included
£ 255
// How It Works

From Booking to Protection: Our Medway Clinic Process

All doses scheduled around your departure, with full guidance from a qualified travel pharmacist.
Step 01
Book Online

Book online instantly. No GP referral needed.

Step 02
Travel Health Appointment

We’ll match your vaccine schedule to your travel plans.

Step 03
Rabies Vaccine Course

Get your first dose and schedule remaining appointments.

Step 04
Travel With Confidence

Complete your course for essential protection while travelling.

// High-Risk Destinations

Countries and Regions Where Rabies Poses a Genuine Risk to Travellers

Rabies is present in over 150 countries, with highest risk in rural and remote areas.

India

Recommended vaccines : Rabies, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, DTP 

Thailand

Recommended vaccines : Rabies, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis 

Indonesia

Recommended vaccines : Rabies, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis 

Nepal

Recommended vaccines : Rabies, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis

Philippines

Recommended vaccines : Rabies, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis

nigeria flag

Nigeria

Recommended vaccines : Rabies, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Cholera

Kenya

Recommended vaccines : Rabies, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid

Vietnam

Recommended vaccines : Rabies, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis

// Diseases Overview

Rabies Explained: What the Disease Is and Why It Is So Feared

Rabies is fatal once symptoms develop, there is no treatment after brain infection.

How Rabies Is Transmitted to Humans

Rabies spreads through the saliva of infected animals via bites, scratches, or licks. While dogs cause most cases, other mammals carry it. Children are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms That Develop After Infection

Early signs mimic flu, like fever and headache. Progression leads to severe issues like spasms and paralysis. Once symptoms appear, it’s fatal; seek immediate care after any exposure.
// Vaccine Options

Rabies Vaccines We Offer at Our Medway Travel Clinic

Two rabies vaccines are available at our clinic: Rabipur and Verorab.

Rabipur

Rabipur is an egg-based vaccine suitable for all ages, offering standard, alternative, and accelerated schedules. It’s unsuitable for those with egg or specific antibiotic allergies. Please inform your pharmacist.

Verorab

Verorab is an egg-free alternative for those with egg allergies. It supports standard and alternative schedules but not accelerated dosing. Availability varies; please check with your pharmacist before booking.

Side Effects You Should Be Aware Of

Side effects are typically mild and short-lived, including soreness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, or nausea. These usually resolve within 48 hours. A full assessment ensures your safety.
// Eligibility

Which Travellers Should Get the Rabies Vaccine Before They Go?

Pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended for remote travellers, animal workers, and those with limited treatment access.

Recommended for

Who should seek advice or may not be suitable

Always tell your pharmacist about any allergies, medical conditions, or current medications before your appointment.
// Risk

Who Is Most at Risk of Rabies Exposure When Travelling?

Your risk depends on more than destination; trip type, activities, and how close you get to animals all matter.
Risk Group
Why They Are at Higher Risk

Backpackers in rural Asia or Africa

Frequent animal contact (stray dogs, monkeys) in areas with poor post-bite treatment access

Cyclists and motorcyclists

Increased risk of animal-related road accidents and high outdoor exposure during long-distance travel

Children travelling to endemic regions

Prone to handling animals, under-reporting bites, and suffering faster viral progression

Wildlife and conservation workers

Direct contact with wild animals (bats, primates, carnivores) in endemic areas

Cave explorers and cavers

High exposure risk in confined cave environments where bats are significant rabies reservoirs

Long-stay travellers and expats

Prolonged stays in endemic regions significantly increase cumulative animal contact risk over time

Travellers to areas with limited medical access

Pre-exposure vaccination provides a vital safety net where local post-exposure prophylaxis is unavailable

// Prevention

Bitten or Scratched Abroad? What to Do Straight Away

Any animal contact in a rabies area needs immediate medical care, even after vaccination.

Post-Exposure Actions: Animal Bites or Scratches

// Travel Safety Tips

How to Lower Your Rabies Risk on the Ground, Alongside Vaccination

Vaccination is your strongest protection, avoiding animal contact and knowing post-exposure steps matters equally.

Animal Avoidance: Dogs, Bats, Monkeys, and Stray Animals

Preparation: Treatment, Records, and Insurance

// Meet our expert

Qualified Professionals You Can Rely On

Meet the pharmacist who gets you ready before you fly.
Mandeep-Sandhu

Mandeep Sandhu

Superintendent Pharmacist & Clinical Lead

Since qualifying as a pharmacist in 2006, Mandeep Sandhu has turned travel health into his life’s work. As an independent prescriber with expert NaTHNaC and Yellow Fever credentials, he focuses on giving you genuine peace of mind before you fly.

Mandeep is an avid traveler himself, so he knows that travel health isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” process. He rejects the generic checklist approach, preferring to sit down with you to discuss your unique plans. Whether you’re heading on a family holiday or a remote adventure, Mandeep provides the personal, professional care you deserve.

MPharm Qualified

A fully GPhC-registered pharmacist.

Independent Prescriber

Qualified to independently prescribe and provide travel medicines

Yellow Fever Accredited

Accredited Yellow Fever centre providing vaccinations and official ICVP documentation.

NaTHNaC Trained

Specialist travel health education following national UK standards

// Areas We Serve

Based in Medway, Covering the Whole of Kent

Located at 139 New Road, Chatham, our clinic serves patients across the Medway towns and Kent. If you need a private travel clinic in Kent with a full vaccine range and same-day availability, book online today.
// Why Choose Us

Why Kent Travellers Come to Our Clinic

As travel specialists rather than a general GP surgery, we provide faster access and comprehensive advice in a single visit.

Same-week appointments

With no GP referral needed; walk in prepared, not turned away.

The full vaccine range

A full vaccine range is stocked on-site at all times; no ordering ahead or coming back.

Antimalarials and vaccines sorted

Antimalarials and vaccines sorted in one appointment; nothing left for a second visit.

Personalised advice

Personalised advice built around your specific trip destination, activities, and health history are all considered.

Emailed vaccination records

Emailed vaccination records are sent after every appointment; your health history is always documented and ready.
// Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

Real experiences from patients who trusted our Medway travel clinic for their vaccinations and travel health advice.

Posted on Google Google
Sunen Patel profile picture
Sunen Patel
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I had a fantastic experience at Medway Travel Clinic while getting everything sorted for my trip to South America. The clinic is modern, clean, and well-run, which really helped put me at ease. Booking was simple, and there were plenty of appointment slots to choose from, even at short notice. I was especially impressed that they had all the necessary vaccines in stock, so I could get everything done in one visit. Mandeep was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to explain each vaccine and what to expect, which made the whole process smooth and reassuring. Highly recommended for anyone planning overseas travel!
Posted on Google Google
T-Mobile T-Mobile profile picture
T-Mobile T-Mobile
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent staff and service.
Posted on Google Google
Usman Ali profile picture
Usman Ali
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Highly recommended for travel vaccines
Posted on Google Google
Rachael Clifton profile picture
Rachael Clifton
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I cannot fault this service. The whole pharmacy team are very helpful and approachable. Mandeep, the pharmacist dealt with my travel queries and vaccinations. I was very unsure as it was my first time going abroad but he talked me through everything and explained which vaccines I needed. The jabs didn't even hurt! He was amazing. A1 service. 100% recommend. Thank you.
Posted on Google Google
Sarfaraz Riaz profile picture
Sarfaraz Riaz
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First class service. Would recommend to try these guys out! Amazing service. Thank you.
Posted on Google Google
Balraj profile picture
Balraj
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Medway Travel Clinic made preparing for my trip so easy. The location is convenient, and I had no issues with parking – plenty of spaces available. I was able to book an appointment without any hassle, and there were lots of time slots to choose from. I went in for my yellow fever vaccination, and the pharmacist prescriber was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, offering great advice tailored to my destination. I felt completely at ease and well looked after. Highly recommend for travel health needs!
Posted on Google Google
Kitty Atwal profile picture
Kitty Atwal
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I visited Medway Travel Clinic for my rabies vaccine ahead of my trip to Thailand, and I couldn’t have asked for a better service. The clinic is in a really convenient location with easy parking, and booking an appointment was quick and hassle-free. The pharmacist prescriber was incredibly experienced and clearly very skilled at administering vaccines, the whole process was smooth and painless. They also took the time to explain everything in detail, which made me feel confident and well informed. I’d highly recommend Medway Travel Clinic to anyone preparing for travel.
Posted on Google Google
Madeleine Mortimer profile picture
Madeleine Mortimer
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Cannot recommend Mandeep enough. He is knowledgeable, helpful, and put me at ease. I would definitely go to him in the future - his advice was in depth and his role as a pharmacist prescriber means he can offer more than other pharmacies.
Posted on Google Google
Leanne Parkin profile picture
Leanne Parkin
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Came in yesterday for some travel vaccines. Mandeep the pharmacist was thorough and couldn’t have been more helpful. Would definitely recommend.
Posted on Google Google
Gary Marchant profile picture
Gary Marchant
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There is one pharmacy here, some very odd opening hours and long lunch break, some parking spaces behind at £2:40 minimum for first hour, if no spaces "walk the gauntlet" through Chatham High Street to get there!!
// FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the rabies vaccine for every trip to Asia or Africa?

Not necessarily. The vaccine is most important for travellers heading to rural or remote areas, those working with animals, backpackers, cyclists, and anyone in regions where post-exposure treatment may not be readily accessible. Your clinician will give you an honest recommendation based on your specific trip.

Each dose costs £85. The full three-dose pre-exposure course costs £255 in total. No separate consultation fee applies when the vaccine is administered on the day of your appointment.

Standard (28-day) courses require five weeks, while 21-day schedules need four weeks. For urgent travel, a 7-day accelerated Rabipur course (Days 0, 3, 7) may be possible, requiring a 12-month booster. Your pharmacist will recommend the best schedule for your timeline.

No. Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies treatment but doesn’t grant full immunity. If bitten, you still need immediate medical care and two additional vaccine doses, though you won’t require rabies immunoglobulin.

Boosters are advised every 2 to 5 years for persistent risk. For those on accelerated schedules, antibody testing (serology) is used to determine timing, as booster intervals are not yet fully established.

Yes. The pre-exposure rabies vaccine is suitable for individuals of all ages. Your clinician will carry out a full assessment before administering any dose and will advise on the appropriate schedule based on your child’s age and departure date.

// Visit Us

Find Us: Your Local Travel Clinic in Medway

We are easy to find and conveniently located in central Chatham.
Contact Details
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday:
9AM–6:15 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
// Blog

Latest Travel Health Tips and Advice

// Get Protected Today

Book Your Rabies Jab in Medway Before You Travel

Booking takes a couple of minutes and your first dose can often be given the same day. Start your course as early as possible to ensure all doses are completed before departure.