The Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccine (PrEP): A Traveler's Smartest Investment
Last updated: 14 Nov 2025
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Living in or traveling to a tropical paradise like Koh Samui means co-existing with nature. That includes friendly local dogs, curious monkeys at temples, and the occasional stray cat. While most encounters are harmless, the risk of an animal bite is real.
When a bite happens, panic sets in, followed by one word: Rabies.
Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but it's also 100% preventable. Most people only think about the frantic rush to the hospital after a bite. But what if you could prepare before you even leave for your trip?
That's the entire purpose of the pre-exposure rabies vaccine (PrEP). It's a simple, proactive step that can save you an incredible amount of stress, time, and money.
We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic on Koh Samui. A significant part of our daily work involves managing animal bites for tourists and expats. We have guided hundreds of patients through both post-exposure (after-a-bite) treatment and the simple pre-exposure vaccine series. We have seen firsthand the panic of an unvaccinated patient versus the calm of a vaccinated one. We know this process inside and out.
PrEP is a series of rabies shots given before you are ever exposed to the virus.
Think of it this way:
For years, PrEP was a 3-dose series over 21 or 28 days, which was inconvenient for travelers. Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC have endorsed a simpler, highly effective schedule.
The modern pre-exposure rabies vaccine schedule is just 2 doses:
If you have the 2-shot pre-exposure rabies vaccine: You DO NOT NEED the Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG).
This table shows exactly what happens if you get bitten. The difference is night and day.
This is the best part, especially if you get it in Thailand.
At Doctor Lamai Clinic, we are a walk-in clinic and always have the rabies vaccine in stock. No appointment is needed.
If I get PrEP, am I immune to rabies forever?
No. PrEP does not give you 100% immunity. Its job is to simplify your treatment if you are bitten. You must still see a doctor after any animal bite or scratch.
I'm already on my trip. Is it too late to get the PrEP vaccine?
No! The schedule is just 7 days long. You can easily get both shots during a standard 2-week holiday. Walk in on your first or second day, and we'll schedule you for your second shot a week later.
Does the pre-exposure rabies vaccine have side effects?
The modern rabies vaccine is very safe. The most common side effect is the same as any vaccine: soreness or redness at the injection site, and sometimes a mild headache or feeling tired for a day.
Does my travel insurance cover the pre-exposure vaccine?
No. Travel insurance almost never covers preventative or elective vaccinations. It will cover the emergency treatment (PEP) after you are bitten. However, paying for the PrEP yourself is a smart investment that saves you from the potential high costs and hassle of an emergency.
I had the old 3-dose PrEP series years ago. Do I need the new 2-dose one?
No. If you have proof of any completed rabies vaccine series in the past (3-dose PrEP, 4-dose PEP, etc.), you are considered vaccinated. If you are bitten, you would just need the 2-dose booster (Day 0 and Day 3) and no RIG.
When a bite happens, panic sets in, followed by one word: Rabies.
Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but it's also 100% preventable. Most people only think about the frantic rush to the hospital after a bite. But what if you could prepare before you even leave for your trip?
That's the entire purpose of the pre-exposure rabies vaccine (PrEP). It's a simple, proactive step that can save you an incredible amount of stress, time, and money.
Why You Can Trust Us
We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic on Koh Samui. A significant part of our daily work involves managing animal bites for tourists and expats. We have guided hundreds of patients through both post-exposure (after-a-bite) treatment and the simple pre-exposure vaccine series. We have seen firsthand the panic of an unvaccinated patient versus the calm of a vaccinated one. We know this process inside and out.
What is the Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccine (PrEP)?
PrEP is a series of rabies shots given before you are ever exposed to the virus.
Think of it this way:
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): This is the emergency treatment you get after an animal bites you. It's a frantic race against time.
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): This is the preventive vaccine you get before you travel, on a calm, planned schedule.
The NEW 2-Dose Rabies PrEP Schedule (It's Easier Than Ever)
For years, PrEP was a 3-dose series over 21 or 28 days, which was inconvenient for travelers. Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC have endorsed a simpler, highly effective schedule.
The modern pre-exposure rabies vaccine schedule is just 2 doses:
- Dose 1: Day 0
- Dose 2: Day 7
The #1 Reason to Get PrEP: You Get to Skip the "RIG"
This is the most important benefit. If you are bitten and have never had a rabies vaccine, your emergency treatment (PEP) has two parts:- A full 4-dose series of the rabies vaccine.
- Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG).
If you have the 2-shot pre-exposure rabies vaccine: You DO NOT NEED the Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG).
Pre-Exposure vs. Post-Exposure: A Simple Comparison
This table shows exactly what happens if you get bitten. The difference is night and day.
| Situation | Patient Status | Emergency Treatment Needed After a Bite |
| THE EMERGENCY | Unvaccinated (No PrEP) | RIG (Immune Globulin) shot in the wound + 4 vaccine doses (on Days 0, 3, 7, 14) |
| THE SMART PLAN | Vaccinated (Had PrEP) | NO RIG needed + 2 vaccine booster doses (on Days 0 and 3) |
Who Should Get the Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccine?
We strongly recommend the 2-shot PrEP series for:- Travelers to Koh Samui (and all of Southeast Asia): Especially if you plan to be in rural areas, go hiking, or be away from major cities.
- Expats and Long-Term Residents: If you live here, your cumulative risk is much higher. This is a must-have.
- Children: Kids are more likely to play with animals and may not always report a small bite or scratch.
- "Risk" Activities: If you plan to volunteer at an animal shelter, go caving (bats), or ride a scooter (where a dog could run out), you are a prime candidate.
- High-Risk Occupations: Veterinarians, wildlife researchers, and animal handlers.
How Much Does the Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccine Cost?
This is the best part, especially if you get it in Thailand.
- In the USA: A full PrEP series can cost over $1,000.
- In Thailand: The 2-shot PrEP series is incredibly affordable. At Doctor Lamai Clinic, we offer the 2-shot pre-exposure rabies vaccine course for a fraction of the Western price. You save money and protect your health.
Your Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccine Clinic in Koh Samui
Don't wait for an emergency. Walk into our clinic on Day 1 of your holiday, get your first shot, and come back a week later for your second. It's the simplest, smartest way to ensure your trip is safe.At Doctor Lamai Clinic, we are a walk-in clinic and always have the rabies vaccine in stock. No appointment is needed.
- Address: 124/254 Moo.3, Lamai beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84310
- Hours: Open Every Day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Phone: +66 65 262 9396
- Email: doctorlamaiclinic@gmail.com
- Map: Find us on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If I get PrEP, am I immune to rabies forever?
No. PrEP does not give you 100% immunity. Its job is to simplify your treatment if you are bitten. You must still see a doctor after any animal bite or scratch.
I'm already on my trip. Is it too late to get the PrEP vaccine?
No! The schedule is just 7 days long. You can easily get both shots during a standard 2-week holiday. Walk in on your first or second day, and we'll schedule you for your second shot a week later.
Does the pre-exposure rabies vaccine have side effects?
The modern rabies vaccine is very safe. The most common side effect is the same as any vaccine: soreness or redness at the injection site, and sometimes a mild headache or feeling tired for a day.
Does my travel insurance cover the pre-exposure vaccine?
No. Travel insurance almost never covers preventative or elective vaccinations. It will cover the emergency treatment (PEP) after you are bitten. However, paying for the PrEP yourself is a smart investment that saves you from the potential high costs and hassle of an emergency.
I had the old 3-dose PrEP series years ago. Do I need the new 2-dose one?
No. If you have proof of any completed rabies vaccine series in the past (3-dose PrEP, 4-dose PEP, etc.), you are considered vaccinated. If you are bitten, you would just need the 2-dose booster (Day 0 and Day 3) and no RIG.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). Rabies Vaccines and Immunoglobulins. https://www.who.int/teams/control-of-neglected-tropical-diseases/rabies/rabies-vaccines-and-immunoglobulins
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Rabies Vaccine: What You Need to Know. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/rabies.html
- UK National Health Service (NHS). (2023). Rabies Vaccine. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rabies/vaccination/
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