If you have been bitten, scratched, or had contact with an animal that might carry rabies, you may need post-exposure treatment (PET).

This is a free NHS service that helps protect you from rabies and is usually given through your GP.

If you are abroad and exposed to rabies (for example, a bite, scratch, or lick on broken skin from an animal):

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for several minutes.
• Seek medical attention locally if possible.

Prompt cleaning of the wound and early care helps reduce the risk of infection.

Once you return to the UK, or if the exposure happened in the UK (for example, from a bat), contact your NHS GP as soon as possible.

Your GP Practice is the first point of contact for post-exposure treatment (PET). If you cannot reach a GP quickly, you can also go to your local A&E department for advice and treatment.

Your GP will contact the UKHSA Rabies and Immunoglobulin Service (RIgS) to assess your risk.

This assessment checks:

• The type of animal and exposure
• How long ago it happened
• What care you may have already had

RIgS gives advice to your GP on whether treatment is needed and which medications to provide.

If treatment is required, your GP will give:

• Rabies vaccines
• Human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) if needed

These are supplied free of charge by the UKHSA and come with clinical advice for your GP.

Your GP will follow the recommended post-exposure schedule, giving the vaccine or immunoglobulin in the correct doses.

It is important to complete the full course to ensure you are fully protected.

• Start treatment quickly: Most cases are not an emergency, but prompt treatment is important.
• NHS service: PET is free through the NHS. Pre-exposure rabies vaccines for travel are usually paid privately.
• Private clinics usually cannot provide PET: Most travel clinics only give pre-exposure vaccines and are not set up for post-exposure cases.
• Bring records if treatment started abroad: This helps your GP continue the correct course.

For further information on Rabies, Rabies Vaccines and Post Exposure Treatment visit, NHS.UK.