Rabies Vaccine in Ottawa

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is an acute, progressive, and almost invariably fatal viral infection of the brain transmitted through the saliva of infected animals — most commonly via bites, scratches, or licks on broken skin. Nearly all rabies deaths worldwide are caused by dog or bat bites. Tens of millions of human exposures occur globally each year.

Rabies is found on all continents except Antarctica. Canine rabies is most prevalent in parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. In Canada and the US, bats are the most common source of human rabies cases.

Who Needs It?

Pre-exposure rabies vaccination (PrEP) is recommended for long-stay travellers (1 month or longer) going to high-risk destinations, travellers with extensive outdoor, adventure, or occupational exposure in risk areas, travellers more than 24 hours from reliable post-exposure care and modern cell-culture vaccine, travellers with likelihood of repeat travel to risk areas, risk-averse travellers going to high-risk destinations, and children — who are at higher risk due to inquisitive behaviour and may not report exposures.

Symptoms

Symptoms most commonly develop 20–60 days after exposure and include tingling at the bite site, fever, headache, muscle aches, anxiety, depression, and irritability. Once the virus reaches the brain, the disease is invariably fatal.

Consequences of Infection

Furious rabies causes terror of water, severe muscle spasms, convulsions, and death within approximately 5 days. Paralytic rabies causes progressive paralysis and death in about 13 days. Rabies is virtually 100% fatal once symptoms appear.

Vaccine Information

Pre-exposure vaccination consists of 2 doses on days 0 and 7, followed by either a titer check at 1–3 years (with a booster if needed) or an empiric booster at 21 days to 3 years. Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies post-exposure treatment to just 2 vaccine doses and eliminates the need for rabies immune globulin (RIG) — which is often unavailable abroad. Post-exposure vaccination without prior PrEP requires 4 vaccine doses plus RIG.

Side Effects

Most common: mild local reactions at injection site (pain, redness, swelling, itching). Fever, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, insomnia, and gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur. Rare neurological complications have been reported.

Note: If bitten or scratched by any animal in a rabies-endemic area, immediately wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical care — even if you have been vaccinated.

Destinations Where Rabies Vaccination Is Recommended for Ottawa Travellers

Ottawa travellers heading to the following destinations should discuss rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis with their physician — particularly for long stays, rural travel, or adventure activities:

• India — highest number of human rabies deaths globally; dog bites are common in urban and rural areas
• Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia (Bali), Philippines — rabies is endemic; post-exposure care and RIG are not reliably available in rural areas
• Kenya, Tanzania — safari and wildlife activities increase exposure risk; RIG is difficult to source in rural areas
• Peru, Ecuador, Colombia — bat rabies is a concern in jungle and cave areas; dog rabies in rural Andean regions
• Nepal — trekking destinations involve significant rural exposure far from reliable medical care
• Costa Rica — eco-tourism and wildlife activities increase exposure risk in rural areas
• Mexico — dog rabies remains a risk outside major tourist areas; bat rabies in cave areas

Frequently Asked Questions — Rabies Vaccine in Ottawa

How much does the rabies vaccine cost in Ottawa?

The rabies vaccine is not covered by OHIP. The pre-exposure series consists of 2 doses — your pharmacist will advise on the vaccine cost at the time of booking. The virtual consultation fee starts from $60/person. Some extended health benefit plans cover part or all of travel vaccine costs.

How many doses of the rabies vaccine do I need before travel?

The pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) series is 2 doses, given on Day 0 and Day 7. You should complete the series at least 1 week before potential exposure. This simplified 2-dose schedule reflects recent NACI updates and provides equivalent protection to the older 3-dose schedule.

What if I get bitten abroad and I’ve already had the rabies vaccine?

If you’ve completed pre-exposure prophylaxis, post-exposure treatment is significantly simpler: you need only 2 additional vaccine doses (given on Days 0 and 3) and — crucially — you do NOT need rabies immune globulin (RIG). RIG is expensive, often unavailable in developing countries, and must be given within 7 days of exposure. Having pre-exposure vaccination removes this time-sensitive dependency entirely.

Is the rabies vaccine a one-time vaccine?

The initial PrEP series (2 doses) provides long-lasting protection. Boosters are recommended if you have ongoing or repeated exposure risk — either through a titer check at 1–3 years, or an empiric booster. For most leisure travellers, a single completed series is sufficient, with a booster considered if planning repeat high-risk travel.

Can children get the rabies vaccine?

Yes — the rabies vaccine is approved for all ages, including children. Children are at higher risk of rabies exposure because they are more likely to approach unfamiliar animals and less likely to report a bite or scratch. Pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended for children travelling to endemic destinations.