Concerned about rabies after animal exposure? 1 Health Christchurch offers rapid rabies post-exposure treatment and travel vaccination services to keep you safe.

Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a critical emergency treatment for anyone bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, especially when traveling in or returning from high-risk countries. 1 Health in Christchurch provides expert rabies PEP care, including wound assessment, vaccine administration, and guidance on rabies immunoglobulin when required. For those planning travel, 1 Health also strongly recommends pre-travel rabies vaccination to ensure you are protected before departure—safeguarding your health and peace of mind.

What Is Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)?

Rabies PEP prevents the rabies virus from causing fatal infection after possible exposure. Treatment depends on your exposure risk:

·       Category I: Touching animals or licks on intact skin—no PEP needed.

·       Category II: Minor scratches/nibbles—rabies vaccine recommended.

·       Category III: Deep/bleeding wounds or mucous membrane exposure—rabies vaccine plus rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) may be needed.

Prompt wound washing is essential. Vaccination schedules and the need for RIG will depend on your immunization status and the severity of exposure. Even if the bite occurred days ago, getting PEP as soon as possible is lifesaving—it's never too late if symptoms haven't started.

Why Choose 1 Health for Rabies Management?

1 Health offers:

·       Immediate post-exposure assessment and vaccine administration.

·       Support in securing rabies immunoglobulin through local hospital networks, when indicated.

·       ACC documentation support if your exposure occurred overseas.

·       Up-to-date clinical staff trained in the latest guidelines for rabies

Planning Travel? Rabies Vaccination is Essential

If you're headed to Asia, Africa, or any region with rabies risk, pre-travel rabies vaccination is highly recommended. This reduces the number of PEP doses needed after exposure and can avoid the urgent need for immunoglobulin, which is often hard to find abroad.ReturnedTravelerspresentingforRabiespost-exposureprophylaxisPEP.pdf​

1 Health's travel medicine service can assess your destinations and provide rabies—and other required—travel immunizations. Our preventive care ensures you travel safely and stress-free.



Costs and Insurance

Rabies vaccine is not government-funded in New Zealand, but patients can typically claim costs back from travel insurance or, following an injury overseas, possibly through ACC. 1 Health will provide comprehensive information and support to make this process straightforward