Rabies Vaccine in Mississauga — Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis at Peel Travel Clinic
Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Mississauga — 3-dose series for travel to Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Recommended for adventure travel, rural stays, and animal contact. Peel Travel Clinic, Heartland Town Centre.
Address
550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 107
Mississauga, ON L5R 4B8
Inside Heartland Town Centre
Hours
Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Why Rabies Pre-Exposure Vaccination Matters
Rabies is a viral disease that is almost universally fatal once symptoms appear. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals — most commonly dog bites, but also monkeys, bats, and other mammals. Countries like India, Indonesia (Bali), Thailand, and across sub-Saharan Africa report the highest numbers of human cases.
The critical reason to get vaccinated before travel is access to treatment. If bitten without prior vaccination, you need rabies immune globulin (RIG) injected at the wound site plus 5 vaccine doses. RIG is frequently unavailable in local hospitals across Asia and Africa. With pre-exposure vaccination, you only need 2 post-exposure doses — far more accessible.
Start Your Series at Least 4 Weeks Before Departure
The standard 3-dose series takes 21–28 days. Starting late means incomplete protection at departure. Call us to discuss accelerated options if your travel date is imminent.
Who Should Get the Rabies Pre-Exposure Vaccine?
PHAC recommends rabies PrEP for travellers in these situations:
Adventure & Backpacking Travellers
Remote trekking, camping, wildlife encounters — areas where rapid post-exposure care is not accessible.
Animal Contact Risk
Veterinarians, wildlife workers, spelunkers (bat caves), and anyone likely to handle or encounter animals abroad.
Children Travelling to Endemic Areas
Children are more likely to be bitten (play with animals) and less likely to report bites. Higher risk, shorter reaction time.
Rural or Remote Travel
Travel to areas more than 24 hours from a clinic with RIG and rabies vaccine — post-exposure treatment may not be available.
Long-Term Travellers & Expats
Missionaries, aid workers, and expats spending months in endemic countries.
Travellers to Bali, India, SE Asia
High-risk destinations where stray dogs and monkeys are common and local medical care may be limited.
Rabies PrEP Schedule Options
Standard and accelerated schedules available — discuss timing with our travel health team.
Standard Schedule
- Doses:
- 3 doses: Day 0, Day 7, Day 21 or 28
- Timing:
- Start at least 4 weeks before travel
- Protection:
- Begins after 3rd dose; enhanced protection lifelong
Allows simplified post-exposure treatment — 2 doses instead of 5 + rabies immune globulin (RIG). Most important for travel to areas where RIG is unavailable.
Accelerated Schedule
- Doses:
- 3 doses: Day 0, Day 3, Day 7
- Timing:
- Can be completed in 1 week
- Protection:
- Functional after completion; confirm titer 1–3 weeks later
For travellers with very little time before departure. Requires confirmation of immunity via serology test. Discuss with our travel health practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions — Rabies Vaccine in Mississauga
Do I need a rabies vaccine before travelling to India or Southeast Asia?
What is the difference between pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure treatment?
Is the rabies vaccine covered by OHIP or insurance?
What do I do if I am bitten by an animal while travelling?
How long does the rabies pre-exposure series take?
Do I need a rabies booster after my initial series?
Start Your Rabies Vaccine Series in Mississauga
Peel Travel Clinic — 550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 107 · Mississauga, ON L5R 4B8
Mon–Fri 10 AM – 4 PM · Sun 10 AM – 2 PM · Walk-ins welcome · Start 4 weeks before travel