Quick question - the rabies vaccine is unavailable in the US for a trip I plan to take to southern Africa next month, camping/overland style. Should I be worried not having this? Plan to be in Namibia/Botswana/SA/Zambia. Thanks!

I can't recall (m)any inquiries re rabies vac on this board, as it's not a usual inoc for visitors traveling to Africa (for less than 3/months). Though I have a friend who recently had rabies inoc for a long-term in-country with local communities, much as those who would be working for NGOs or the Peace Corp.

I can't recall anyone reporting being bitten by an animal or even a mangy-looking dog that could have been someone's house pet.

Most travellers concern themselves with inocs as Tetanus, HepA/B, Polio Booster, Yellow Fever or Thyhoid tabs. Discuss with your personal physician or a travel clinic.

thanks sandi for your reply. i feel much better about this now. yes, i've already discussed with my travel clinic. they said not to cancel a trip over it, but were still a bit concerned i would not have it.

I thought my travel clinic went way overboard when they suggested immunizations and they didn't suggest rabies. I wouldn't worry about not having the rabies vaccine unless you're going to be working directly with animals or being exposed to many stray dogs running around. Have a great trip!

Not unusual for travel Clinics to want their patients to take every pill and be jabbed for everything.

You have to get the information which they provide, as well the cdc site, then based on your own health history and likelihood of, in this case, rabies, make an informed decision.

Just avoid those mangy dogs! I've seen these in every country I've ever visited and where I haven't, I've become a vegetarian!

I work in a travel clinic and this is what I tell my clients. In most countries rabies occurs primarily in bats and dogs (there are also some rabid jackals and mongoose in South Africa). So use caution around caves (where bats may hang from the ceiling) and remember that dogs are not necessarily household pets that have been to the vet for their shots -- don't pat cute puppies on the head ...or the any SA jackal or mongoose

In the unlikely event that you are bitten, you need to do two things: 1) wash the bite wound well for 15 minutes (that's a really long time)
2) seek medical care within 24 hours; this may mean going to a capital city to get the necessary vaccines and/or Rabies Immune Globulin. If you have travel insurance, call them and get their help -- that's what they're there for. Have a great trip!

"Should I be worried not having this?"

No, it is not common to receive this vaccine for a holiday trip that does not involve working with animals or frequenting areas with rabid dogs.

I did get the rabies vaccine for a different non-Africa trip. The travel clinic that recommended it never mentioned it for Southern Africa and I never considered getting the vaccine for your destinations.

Have fun!

ttt

It sounds as if skibumette gave some informed advice, but here is my two cents in addition.

Just to put it in context, my understanding is that even if you did get the rabies vaccine beforehand, you still need treatment if you get bitten/scratched by a rabid animal. The difference is that if you've had the vaccine you have more time before you get the treatment.

One other point -- apparently a rabid animal can also appear dazed and quiet (rather than wild and crazy) so use common sense and don't approach wild animals to pet or feed or help them (you weren't going to anyway, right?).

If you have a personal encounter with a potentially rabid animal, get treatment.

Enjoy your trip.