Rabies Vaccine in Point Cook
Rabies almost always causes death once symptoms appear, but it is preventable. A rabies vaccine before you are exposed makes treatment after a bite simpler and quicker. Our GPs in Point Cook can assess your risk and give the course at Juniper Avenue Medical Centre.
Rabies, bats and Australian bat lyssavirus
Rabies is caused by a lyssavirus that attacks the brain and nervous system. It spreads through a bite or scratch from an infected animal, or when the virus reaches the eyes, nose or mouth. Overseas, the Handbook advises avoiding stray dogs and cats and never feeding or patting monkeys, even around temples and markets.
Closer to home, Healthdirect explains that Australian bats can carry Australian bat lyssavirus, which also causes rabies. Never handle a bat yourself, even one that looks injured.
Who should have a rabies vaccine before exposure
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends pre-exposure vaccination for:
- people who have contact with bats, such as wildlife carers
- travellers to countries where rabies is present, based on a risk assessment
- laboratory workers who work with live lyssaviruses
For travellers, the doctor weighs up your destination, how long you will stay, how far you will be from medical care, and your plans: trekking, cycling, working with animals and travel with young children who may pat animals all raise the risk.
Pre-exposure schedules
There are several options, varying by the number of visits and doses:
- a 3-visit course with doses on day 0, day 7 and between days 21 and 28
- a 2-visit course with doses on day 0 and day 7, which gives shorter-term protection and suits many travellers
Because even the short course spans a week, rabies is one to raise early. People with ongoing exposure to bats or animals overseas may need a booster later, and the doctor will tell you if that applies.
First aid after a bite or scratch
Whether or not you are vaccinated, act straight away:
- wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes
- apply an antiseptic such as an iodine-containing solution if you have one
- seek medical care the same day, in Australia or overseas, and say what animal was involved
Do not wait for symptoms. Treatment after exposure works by acting before the virus reaches the nervous system. In Australia, contact with a bat needs prompt assessment, and if you cannot reach a doctor quickly, go to a hospital emergency department.
How the vaccine changes treatment after exposure
Someone who has never had a rabies vaccine needs rabies immunoglobulin as soon as possible plus 4 or 5 vaccine injections over a month. Immunoglobulin can be hard to find and expensive in many countries. A person who completed pre-exposure vaccination needs only 2 more doses and, unless severely immunocompromised, no immunoglobulin. That difference is the main reason to vaccinate before you go.
Side effects, cost and booking
The cell culture rabies vaccines used today are generally well tolerated. Rabies vaccine for travel is generally bought privately, so there is a cost for the vaccine, and the fees page and reception can help with costs. To book online, pick a time and mention the vaccine when you book.
Common questions
Will the vaccine mean I do not need treatment after a bite?
No. You will still need 2 more doses after any possible exposure, so always seek care. Vaccination just makes that treatment simpler.
I was scratched by a monkey while overseas and I am now home. What should I do?
See a doctor promptly, even if it happened some time ago, and bring details of any treatment you had. If you cannot get an appointment quickly, go to an emergency department.
Which other vaccines go with a trip to Southeast Asia?
It depends on your itinerary. The travel immunisation page covers the full check, and the Japanese encephalitis vaccine is worth asking about for longer rural stays.