Where to Get Rabies Vaccine for Humans: A 2025 Tourist Guide

It is the story no one wants to tell when they get home. You were enjoying a sunset walk on Lamai Beach, or maybe visiting the famous Pig Island, when a friendly interaction went wrong. A nip from a stray dog, a scratch from a monkey, or even a bite from a cat.

The panic sets in instantly. You are far from home, and the word "rabies" is flashing in your mind like a neon sign.

You need to know where to get rabies vaccine for humansand you need to know fast.

The good news? Thailand has one of the best rabies control programs in the world. Getting treated here is often faster, cheaper, and more efficient than back home. But knowing where to go can save you thousands of baht and hours of stress.

Why You Can Trust Us

We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We don't just write about this; we live it. Every week, we treat tourists who have had unfortunate run-ins with Koh Samui's wildlife. We have seen the difference between a tourist who rushes to an expensive international hospital in a panic and one who walks calmly into a local clinic. We know the exact WHO protocols, the local prices, and the safest way to get you treated and back to your holiday.

Real Stories: The "Hospital vs. Clinic" Experience

To help you understand why knowing where to go matters, let's look at two real scenarios we often see in Thailand.

The "Hospital Panic" Scenario

• The Situation: A tourist gets scratched by a monkey at a viewpoint. Panic sets in. They rush to a major private international hospital.
• The Experience: They wait 2 hours in a busy lobby. They go through a complex registration process.
• The Bill: Because they went to a premium facility, they are charged for "emergency room fees," "nursing fees," and doctor fees on top of the vaccine. Stories on forums like Reddit report bills as high as 35,000 THB ($1,000 USD) for a full course including immunoglobulin (RIG).

The "Clinic Calm" Scenario

• The Situation: A tourist gets nipped by a puppy on the beach. They search for a local "walk-in clinic."
• The Experience: They walk into a clinic like ours. They are seen by a doctor in 15 minutes.
• The Bill: They pay a standard, transparent fee for the vaccine and wound cleaning, often costing a fraction of the hospital priceleaving them with budget left over to enjoy the rest of their trip.

Where to Get Rabies Vaccine for Humans in Koh Samui

When you are looking for treatment, you have three main tiers of options.

1. Private Medical Clinics (Your Best Bet)

For 95% of animal bites, a private clinic is the smartest choice. It is faster than a government hospital and far more affordable than a luxury international hospital.

• Why choose this: English-speaking staff, no long waits, and reasonable prices.
• What we offer: At Doctor Lamai Clinic, we stock the standard WHO-approved vaccines (like Verorab or Rabipur) and can administer them immediately.

2. Government Hospitals

• Why choose this: It is the cheapest option (often 300-500 THB per shot).
• The Downside: Expect to wait 3-6 hours. The staff are excellent but overwhelmed, and English may be limited.

3. International Private Hospitals

• Why choose this: If you have a catastrophic injury (mauling) that requires major surgery.
• The Downside: The cost is extremely high. Unless you have premium insurance with zero deductible, you will pay a significant premium for the same vaccine you get at a clinic.

Your Doctor in Koh Samui

If you need a rabies vaccine, wound care, or just advice on an animal scratch, we are here to help. We are a walk-in clinic, so you don't need to stress about appointments.

• 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

The 2025 Vaccine Schedule (What to Expect)

When you find a place to get vaccinated, you need to know what the schedule looks like. The protocol has become much simpler in recent years.

If You Have NEVER Been Vaccinated (Post-Exposure)

You will need a series of 4 to 5 visits.

• Day 0: The day you are bitten. You get your first shot (and possibly Immunoglobulin if the bite is deep).
• Day 3: Your second shot.
• Day 7: Your third shot.
• Day 14: Your fourth shot.
• (Day 28 is sometimes required for immunocompromised patients).

If You HAVE Been Vaccinated Before (Booster)

This is why we love the Pre-Exposure vaccine! If you have proof of past vaccination, your treatment is incredibly simple.

• Day 0: One booster shot.
• Day 3: One booster shot.
• No Immunoglobulin (RIG) needed.

What About the "Rabies Immunoglobulin" (RIG)?

This is a special, expensive medication injected directly into the wound to neutralize the virus instantly.

• Do you need it? Only if you have a Category III exposure (bleeding bite, deep scratches, or licks on broken skin) AND you have never been vaccinated.
• Where to get it: Most small clinics do not stock RIG because it expires quickly and is expensive. If you need this, we will assess you and, if necessary, refer you to the specific hospital that carries it, while handling your wound care and first vaccine dose immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get a rabies vaccine at a pharmacy in Thailand?

No. In Thailand, vaccines must be administered by a licensed doctor or nurse in a clinical setting. You cannot buy the vial and inject it yourself.

How much does a rabies vaccine cost in Koh Samui?

At a private clinic, a single dose typically ranges from 800 to 1,200 THB. This includes the doctor's fee and hospital service. At a major international hospital, this can jump to 3,000+ THB per visit once fees are added.

What if I miss my scheduled dose?

If you are traveling and miss Day 3 or Day 7 by one day, don't panic. Go to the nearest clinic immediately and get the shot. Do not restart the series; just continue from where you left off.

Is the rabies vaccine safe for children?

Yes. It is safe and mandatory for children who have been bitten. The dosage is the same for children and adults.

Do I need to bring my passport?

Yes. To register at any clinic or hospital in Thailand, you will need your passport (or a clear photo of it) and your arrival card (if applicable) for the medical records.

References

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). Rabies vaccines: WHO position paper. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-wer9316 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025). Rabies: Medical Care for Travelers. https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/index.html 
• Thai Travel Clinic. (2024). Rabies Vaccine Availability and Cost in Thailand. https://www.thaitravelclinic.com/cost.html