Anti Rabies Vaccine Dose for Adults: A Simple Guide to the Schedule
Last updated: 30 Nov 2025
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You are an adult. Youve traveled the world, or maybe you just live in a tropical paradise like Koh Samui. You know how to take care of yourself. But then, an unpredictable variable enters the scene: a stray dog, a monkey at a temple, or a bat on a night walk.
Suddenly, you are facing a medical situation that feels out of your control. You need a rabies vaccine.
When you start researching, the medical jargon can be overwhelming. Intramuscular? Intradermal? Day 0, 3, 7? How many milliliters?
If you are looking for the correct anti rabies vaccine dose for adults, you want clear, straight answers. You want to know exactly how many shots you need and when.
Lets break down the adult vaccine schedule into plain English.
We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We treat adults from all over the worldbackpackers, retirees, digital nomads, and vacationerswho have had encounters with animals here in Thailand. We administer these specific vaccine doses every single day. We follow the strict guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Thai Ministry of Public Health. We know the difference between the old schedules and the modern ones, and we are here to guide you through it safely.
This is the first question most people ask. "Do I need a bigger dose because I'm bigger than a child?"
The answer is no.
The anti rabies vaccine dose for adults is exactly the same as it is for children. Your immune system recognizes the vaccine and builds antibodies in the same way, regardless of your body weight. Whether you are a 100kg rugby player or a petite traveler, the volume of liquid in the syringe and the schedule remain the same.
Your dosage schedule depends entirely on why you are getting the vaccine.
This is the most common situation we see. If you have been bitten and have never been vaccinated for rabies before, the standard adult schedule is aggressive to ensure the virus is stopped.
This is the most common schedule used in clinics internationally. You will receive one injection into your arm muscle (deltoid) on four specific days.
The "Thai Red Cross" Schedule (Intradermal)
In Thailand and many parts of Asia, we often use the Intradermal (ID) method. This uses a smaller dose injected into the skin rather than the muscle. It is equally effective but uses less vaccine.
If you have a deep bite or a bite that draws blood (Category III exposure) and you are unvaccinated, you will also need Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) on Day 0. This is dosed by weight (20 IU per kg of body weight).
If you have been smart and received your pre-exposure shots in the past, or if you had a full rabies course years ago, your treatment as an adult is much simpler.
You do not need the expensive Immune Globulin (RIG). You only need two booster shots.
If you are planning to travel or live in a high-risk area, getting vaccinated beforehand is a great idea. The adult dosage for prevention has recently become much simpler.
The New 2-Dose Schedule:
When you look at your medical bill or record, you might see "0.5 ml" or "0.1 ml." Here is why:
Adults generally tolerate the rabies vaccine very well. It is an inactivated (dead) virus, so it cannot give you rabies. Common side effects include:
If you need to start a vaccine series, or if you need to continue a schedule you started in another country, Doctor Lamai Clinic is here for you. We stock standard, WHO-approved rabies vaccines. We can review your vaccination card from back home and ensure you get the correct next dose on the right day.
I missed my scheduled dose by one day. Do I have to restart?
Generally, no. If you are late by a day or two, we usually just give the dose immediately and adjust the remaining schedule. However, it is vital to stay as close to the schedule as possible, especially for the first few doses.
Can I drink alcohol while taking the rabies vaccine?
Yes. There is no evidence that moderate alcohol consumption interferes with the rabies vaccine or your immune response. You can enjoy your holiday, but perhaps take it easy if you feel side effects like a headache.
Is the vaccine dose different for pregnant women?
No. The anti rabies vaccine dose for adults remains the same for pregnant women. Rabies is fatal, so the vaccine is not only safe but mandatory if you are exposed, regardless of pregnancy.
I started my shots in Bali/Vietnam/USA. Can I finish them in Thailand?
Yes. The rabies vaccine protocol is fairly standard worldwide. Bring your vaccination card or record with you. We can identify which dose you need next (e.g., Day 7 or Day 14) and administer a compatible vaccine.
Do I really need the 4th dose on Day 14?
Yes. It is tempting to skip the last shot if you feel fine and the wound has healed. However, that final dose is crucial for cementing your long-term immunity. Do not skip it.
Suddenly, you are facing a medical situation that feels out of your control. You need a rabies vaccine.
When you start researching, the medical jargon can be overwhelming. Intramuscular? Intradermal? Day 0, 3, 7? How many milliliters?
If you are looking for the correct anti rabies vaccine dose for adults, you want clear, straight answers. You want to know exactly how many shots you need and when.
Lets break down the adult vaccine schedule into plain English.
Why You Can Trust Us
We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We treat adults from all over the worldbackpackers, retirees, digital nomads, and vacationerswho have had encounters with animals here in Thailand. We administer these specific vaccine doses every single day. We follow the strict guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Thai Ministry of Public Health. We know the difference between the old schedules and the modern ones, and we are here to guide you through it safely.
Does the Dose Change for Adults?
This is the first question most people ask. "Do I need a bigger dose because I'm bigger than a child?"
The answer is no.
The anti rabies vaccine dose for adults is exactly the same as it is for children. Your immune system recognizes the vaccine and builds antibodies in the same way, regardless of your body weight. Whether you are a 100kg rugby player or a petite traveler, the volume of liquid in the syringe and the schedule remain the same.
The Two Main Scenarios
Your dosage schedule depends entirely on why you are getting the vaccine.
- Post-Exposure (PEP): You have already been bitten or scratched. (This is an emergency).
- Pre-Exposure (PrEP): You are getting vaccinated before any incident for protection.
Scenario 1: The Post-Exposure Dose (After a Bite)
This is the most common situation we see. If you have been bitten and have never been vaccinated for rabies before, the standard adult schedule is aggressive to ensure the virus is stopped.
The Standard 4-Dose Schedule (Essen Regimen)
This is the most common schedule used in clinics internationally. You will receive one injection into your arm muscle (deltoid) on four specific days.
- Day 0: First dose (Immediately)
- Day 3: Second dose
- Day 7: Third dose
- Day 14: Fourth dose
The "Thai Red Cross" Schedule (Intradermal)
In Thailand and many parts of Asia, we often use the Intradermal (ID) method. This uses a smaller dose injected into the skin rather than the muscle. It is equally effective but uses less vaccine.- Dosage: Two tiny injections (one on each arm) on Day 0, 3, and 7.
- Benefits: It is often more cost-effective while providing the exact same protection.
Do Adults Need "RIG"?
If you have a deep bite or a bite that draws blood (Category III exposure) and you are unvaccinated, you will also need Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) on Day 0. This is dosed by weight (20 IU per kg of body weight).
Scenario 2: The Booster Dose (If You Were Already Vaccinated)
If you have been smart and received your pre-exposure shots in the past, or if you had a full rabies course years ago, your treatment as an adult is much simpler.
You do not need the expensive Immune Globulin (RIG). You only need two booster shots.
- Day 0: One shot
- Day 3: One shot
Scenario 3: The Pre-Exposure Dose (Prevention)
If you are planning to travel or live in a high-risk area, getting vaccinated beforehand is a great idea. The adult dosage for prevention has recently become much simpler.
The New 2-Dose Schedule:
- Day 0: Dose 1
- Day 7: Dose 2
Intramuscular vs. Intradermal: What Are You Getting?
When you look at your medical bill or record, you might see "0.5 ml" or "0.1 ml." Here is why:
- Intramuscular (IM): This is the standard shot into the muscle of your upper arm. The standard dose is usually 0.5 ml or 1.0 ml per shot, depending on the vaccine brand (e.g., Verorab vs. Rabipur).
- Intradermal (ID): This is the shot into the skin. The dose is very small, usually 0.1 ml per spot.
Common Side Effects for Adults
Adults generally tolerate the rabies vaccine very well. It is an inactivated (dead) virus, so it cannot give you rabies. Common side effects include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site (the arm).
- Mild headache.
- Nausea.
- Muscle aches or dizziness.
Where to Get Adult Rabies Vaccines in Koh Samui
If you need to start a vaccine series, or if you need to continue a schedule you started in another country, Doctor Lamai Clinic is here for you. We stock standard, WHO-approved rabies vaccines. We can review your vaccination card from back home and ensure you get the correct next dose on the right day.
- 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)
I missed my scheduled dose by one day. Do I have to restart?
Generally, no. If you are late by a day or two, we usually just give the dose immediately and adjust the remaining schedule. However, it is vital to stay as close to the schedule as possible, especially for the first few doses.
Can I drink alcohol while taking the rabies vaccine?
Yes. There is no evidence that moderate alcohol consumption interferes with the rabies vaccine or your immune response. You can enjoy your holiday, but perhaps take it easy if you feel side effects like a headache.
Is the vaccine dose different for pregnant women?
No. The anti rabies vaccine dose for adults remains the same for pregnant women. Rabies is fatal, so the vaccine is not only safe but mandatory if you are exposed, regardless of pregnancy.
I started my shots in Bali/Vietnam/USA. Can I finish them in Thailand?
Yes. The rabies vaccine protocol is fairly standard worldwide. Bring your vaccination card or record with you. We can identify which dose you need next (e.g., Day 7 or Day 14) and administer a compatible vaccine.
Do I really need the 4th dose on Day 14?
Yes. It is tempting to skip the last shot if you feel fine and the wound has healed. However, that final dose is crucial for cementing your long-term immunity. Do not skip it.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Rabies vaccines: WHO position paper April 2018. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-wer9316
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Rabies Vaccine Information Statement. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/rabies.html
- The Green Book (UK Health Security Agency). (2024). Rabies: The Green Book, Chapter 27. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rabies-the-green-book-chapter-27
