Rabies Pre-Exposure Vaccine in Canada — Cost, 2-Dose Schedule & Who Needs It

Rabies vaccine is ordered for you, so we confirm its price when you book, before you pay anything. The pre-exposure series is 2 doses, with a booster later only if your risk lasts 3 years or more. Many extended health benefit plans cover travel vaccines including rabies — we provide official receipts. Not covered by OHIP.

For long-stay travellers, adventure travellers, and anyone visiting rural India or Southeast Asia, yes — strongly worth it. The key reason: rabies immunoglobulin (required post-exposure without pre-vaccination) is very often unavailable or in short supply in rural India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Without immunoglobulin, your post-exposure options are severely limited. Pre-vaccination eliminates this critical vulnerability.

Not completely — you still need post-exposure doses after any bite, scratch, or saliva exposure. But if your 2-dose pre-exposure series was completed less than 3 years ago, or you have had a booster, your post-exposure protocol changes from 4–5 doses + immunoglobulin (often unavailable in rural India) to just 2 booster doses with no immunoglobulin required. If your 2-dose series was 3 or more years ago and you have had no booster, Canadian guidance is immunoglobulin plus 4 doses. This can be genuinely life-saving.

Two doses, on day 0 and any time from day 7 to day 28, so the series can be finished in as little as a week. If your risk will last 3 years or more, Canada’s immunization guide adds a booster 12 to 24 months later. Start at least 2 weeks before travel.

Yes — children are at higher risk of rabies exposure than adults. They are more likely to approach and pet stray animals, and more likely not to report a bite or scratch. Pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended for children travelling to India, Southeast Asia, or Africa for more than a few weeks.

Immediately: (1) Wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes — this alone reduces rabies risk. (2) Go to the nearest medical facility and request post-exposure treatment. If your 2-dose pre-exposure series was completed less than 3 years ago, or you have had a booster: 2 booster doses, no immunoglobulin needed. If your series was 3 or more years ago with no booster, or you are unvaccinated: 4–5 doses + immunoglobulin (verify availability). (3) Contact our clinic for guidance on return.

Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a series of injections and is not covered by OHIP. The cost varies depending on vaccine availability and the number of doses required. Some extended benefit plans cover rabies vaccine — verify with your insurer. We provide official receipts for all services.

Yes. The consultation for rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis is fully virtual. Our physician will assess your travel itinerary and risk factors during a video call, then prescribe the vaccine series. Administration is at our partner pharmacy. No in-person physician visit is required.