Rabies Vaccine in Singapore (2024)

Rabies, a concern for both residents and travellers in Singapore, is a preventable viral disease. Understanding the disease, its prevention, and the vaccine's availability in Singapore is crucial for public health.

Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the central nervous system, primarily transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, often a dog. The virus travels from the wound to the brain, causing inflammation.

The initial signs of rabies can often resemble flu symptoms, such as feeling weak or unwell, having a fever, or experiencing headaches. There might also be a feeling of discomfort, tingling, or itchiness where the bite occurred. These symptoms can persist for several days. As the condition worsens, it can lead to problems with brain function, anxiety, confusion, and agitation.

If you are vaccinated against rabies and plan to travel again to a place where rabies is common, you should get a booster shot one year after your first vaccine to keep the protection strong.

People who work in jobs where there is a high chance of coming into contact with rabies, like veterinarians or animal handlers, should get a booster shot every six months to two years to stay protected.

It is a good idea to talk to your doctor about what is best for you when it comes to ongoing rabies protection.

Pre-exposure Vaccination / Pre-exposure Rabies Prophylaxis (PrEP)

The rabies vaccine is advised for individuals who have a higher likelihood of encountering the rabies virus. This includes veterinarians, animal handlers, and laboratory workers who might come into contact with animals or the virus in their line of work.

Travellers visiting areas where rabies is prevalent should also consider getting vaccinated before their trip. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts who plan to engage in activities in regions known to have rabies, such as camping or hiking in certain areas, should get the vaccine as a preventive measure.

Post-exposure Vaccination / Post-exposure Rabies Prophylaxis (PEP)

If someone is bitten or scratched by an animal that could be rabid, or if they have been in close contact with such an animal, they should receive the rabies vaccine immediately as a post-exposure precaution.

This is critical even for those who have had pre-exposure vaccination, as additional doses are necessary to ensure adequate protection after potential exposure to the virus.

Most side effects of the rabies vaccine are mild and include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, headache, and muscle aches. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible. These can include difficulty in breathing or swallowing. Please seek immediate medical attention if any severe reactions occur.

You may use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website as a reference. This serves as a guide as to whether you should undertake the Rabies vaccination before travelling. You may also speak to our friendly doctor for more information.

Vaccinations offer significant individual benefits by boosting the immune system's ability to fight off specific infectious diseases. They reduce the risk of contracting serious illnesses, leading to fewer medical visits and a lower chance of hospitalization.

By staying up-to-date with vaccinations, individuals can also enjoy a greater sense of well-being and freedom to engage in various social activities, knowing they are protected against contagious diseases.

At ATA Medical, we offer a wide range of vaccinations to meet your various health needs, from travel to seasonal immunity, ensuring you are well-protected. Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this allows you to keep a record of the vaccinations.

Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this will allow you to keep a record of the vaccinations.

We are unable to perform the Post-exposure Prophylaxis Rabies Immune Globulin jab at our clinic currently, patients are kindly advised to proceed to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) for this treatment.

ATA Medical is conveniently located at two different locations:

• Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
• Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)

Our vaccination clinics are conveniently located in Central Singapore. Same day appointments for vaccinations are available.

• Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
• Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)

Orchard Clinic

Tanjong Pagar Clinic

Travel Related Consultation with Dr Jana Lim