If you do not complete the full set of doses, you are vulnerable to infection. Post-Exposure – 3 days after the first injection, 7 days after and 14 days after.Pre-Exposure – Within 7 days of the first injection and 21 to 28 days after.The timing for rabies boosters varies based on the type of rabies vaccine you are receiving. If you believe you have been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Post-exposure rabies vaccination is given after a bite or other potential contamination. If you cannot complete all three doses before your trip, it is best to abstain from the vaccine. Two booster doses are required within 28 days of the first dose. You should receive your first pre-exposure rabies vaccine at least 28 days before your trip.
It is believed up to 60,000 people die every year from rabies worldwide. If you plan on staying in a country with an elevated risk of rabies for more than two weeks, vaccination is recommended.