Table of Contents
Where is Rabies Found?
Rabies exposure is a risk for travelers visiting the majority of countries in Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America. Dogs bites are the main source of infection because many dogs are strays and can act aggressively. Travelers may approach or try to feed dogs or puppies thinking they are pets and instead suffer a bite. Monkeys are also known to be aggressive and common at many temple and tourists sites throughout Southeast Asia. Receiving the rabies vaccine for humans before exposure occurs is paramount to prevention.
In the US, rabies is more common in wild animals like bats and racoons. However, any infected mammal can transmit the disease from biting or scratching. If you find a bat in your house and live in the United States, read more about what actions you should take.
How Dangerous is Rabies Infection?


Who Needs the Human Rabies Vaccine for International Travel?
All travelers planning to visit medium and low income countries should consider vaccination. Street dogs can be common and aggressive and medical facilities often do not have the vaccine to administer after a bite. Receiving the human rabies vaccine before travel is the safest option.
Who is at Highest Risk?
How Do I Protect Myself with Vaccination?
Prior to travel, two doses of the human rabies vaccine is given 7 days apart. Some people with higher risk for exposure or with occupational risk will be recommended a third dose. Long-term protection for travelers is available by receiving a third dose one year from the second dose.
The rabies vaccine is administered into the muscle of the arm similar to other vaccines. Soreness and mild swelling can occur after immunization.
Who Needs the Rabies Vaccine for Humans in the US?
Occupational risk for rabies virus exposure include veterinarians, veterinary students, and veterinary technicians. In addition, animal control workers, wildlife researchers, and people participating in caving (spelunking) are at risk.
What is Rabies Immune Globulin and Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis?

Where Can I Find the Rabies Vaccine for Humans Near Me?
Destination Health Travel Clinic offers the human rabies vaccination at any of our convenient Massachusetts locations including offices in Springfield, Framingham, and Boston area. If you are a veterinary clinic looking to provide the human rabies vaccine and/or rabies titer for staff members, our clinic partners with the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) to provide these services at a discount during yearly conferences.
Rabies Titer (Serology) Testing Post- Vaccination
Some veterinary medicine professionals and international travelers at high risk for rabies virus exposure and who previously received the human rabies vaccine series opt to check their immune status with a simple rabies blood titer test. The blood sample is sent to a specialty lab in the United States and results return in 3-4 weeks. If the titer results returns below a therapeutic threshold an additional dose of rabies vaccine is recommended.