Rabies Vaccine in Phuket: After a Bite, Before Travel, Prices
After a dog or cat bite, wash the wound with soap and water for at least 10 minutes and see a doctor quickly. The standard course is 5 shots on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 30; if the doctor prescribes immune globulin, it goes in as soon as possible. Bangkok Hospital Phuket sells a rabies vaccine at THB 990.
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The first hour decides most of it. Wash the wound with water and soap, several times, for at least 10 minutes, apply Betadine, and never cover the wound. Treating the wound at once is the most effective prevention. Then get to a doctor.
After a bite: the steps
- Wash the wound clean with water and soap for at least 10 minutes.
- Apply Betadine after washing, and leave the wound uncovered.
- Avoid stitching; if stitches are needed, they should be loose and only after immune globulin.
- See a doctor quickly to consider rabies vaccine and tetanus prevention.
- Confine the dog or cat and watch it for 10 days.
A lick on normal skin does not pass rabies. A lick on a graze, a scratch, the lips or the eyes can.
The vaccine schedule after a bite
If the doctor prescribes rabies immune globulin, it is injected as soon as possible to destroy the virus at the wound, followed by the vaccine. The standard method is 5 intramuscular shots on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 30; an intradermal alternative also exists.
Thai and US guidance do not use the same number of shots, so it helps to see them side by side.
| Source | Not vaccinated before | Immune globulin |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand, Department of Disease Control | 5 intramuscular shots on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 30 | As soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours |
| US CDC schedule | One injection each on days 0, 3, 7 and 14 | 20 IU/kg, administered directly into the wound |
The clinic that treats you decides which regimen you get. The Thai and US schedules in the table already differ, so follow the doctor’s plan rather than choosing between the two. We recommend asking the clinic to write your dose dates down before you leave, because a missed shot is easier to fix on the day than a week later.
Immune globulin is for the highest-risk exposures and works best within 48 hours of the bite. It is not recommended once more than 7 days have passed since the first vaccine shot.
If the dog or cat is still normal after 10 days of observation, the later shots can stop. If you are unsure, the advice is to give protection at once.
The vaccine and immune globulin have no contraindication in children or pregnant women.
If you were vaccinated before
Bitten again within 6 months of your last shot, you need 1 booster. The US CDC likewise describes a two-dose course for people vaccinated before. After more than 6 months, however long ago, you need only 2 boosters on days 0 and 3, with no immune globulin.
Before you travel
A tourist travelling to an area where the disease is common should have protection beforehand, as 3 shots on days 0, 7 and 28. A person who misses the visit before the day-28 shot does not restart; give the day-28 shot. With no new risk, no booster is needed.
Where to go in Phuket
Bangkok Hospital Phuket sells a Rabies Vaccine package at THB 990, with the price valid until 31 December 2026. The address is 2 / 1 Hongyok, Hongyokutis Rd, Taladyai, Muang, Phuket 83000. The phone is 076 254 425.
2 / 1 Hongyok, Hongyokutis Rd, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand · Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
The THB 990 price is a single figure with no breakdown, so ask the front desk for an itemised quote before you pay. Bangkok Phuket Clinic is a separate listing. It sells a rabies prevention vaccine at THB 999, price valid until 31 December 2026, at six branches: Maikhao, Airport, Laguna, Rawai, Kamala and Khaolak.
For a bite emergency out of hours, Bangkok Hospital Siriroj offers 24-hour emergency and trauma services at 44 Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Rd, Phuket 83000. Dibuk Hospital is open 24 hours.
Vachira Phuket Hospital is at 353 Yaowarad Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000.
353 Yaowarad Rd Rang Hill, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand · Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
For an ambulance, 1669 is the emergency medical number.
Japanese encephalitis
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is for people not vaccinated before and travellers staying more than 1 month in countries where the disease is common. Have at least 1 shot 2 to 4 weeks before travel. Do not give it in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Photo credits
- Photos and clips uploaded to Google Maps (Bangkok Hospital Phuket on Google Maps (opens in a new tab), Bangkok Hospital Siriroj on Google Maps (opens in a new tab), Vachira Phuket Hospital on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)) by Google Maps contributor, BANGKOK HOSPITAL SIRIROJ.
Step by step
- Wash the woundWash with water and soap for at least 10 minutes, apply Betadine, never cover the wound.
- See a doctorEvery patient bitten or scratched by an animal must see a doctor quickly.
- Confine the animalConfine the animal and watch it for 10 days.
- Complete the courseThe standard course is 5 shots on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 30.
Not confirmed: Package contents: how many doses, and whether immune globulin or the doctor fee are included in THB 990 or THB 999. Ask for an itemised quote. Vachira, Dibuk and Mission rabies prices: none are published; phone before you go.
Common questions
What do I do right after a bite in Phuket?
Wash the wound with water and soap, several times, for at least 10 minutes, apply Betadine, and never cover the wound. Then see a doctor quickly to consider rabies vaccine and tetanus prevention.
Should the wound be stitched?
Avoid stitching. If stitches are needed, they should be loose and only after immune globulin is injected into the wound.
What is the standard vaccine course after a bite?
5 intramuscular shots on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 30 is the standard method. If the doctor prescribes immune globulin, it goes in as soon as possible, followed by the vaccine.
Do I need the vaccine if I only got licked?
A lick on normal skin does not pass rabies, but a lick on a graze, scratch, the lips or the eyes can.
Should I get vaccinated before travelling?
A tourist travelling to an area where the disease is common should have protection beforehand, as 3 shots on days 0, 7 and 28.
What if I miss a pre-travel shot?
If you miss the visit before the day-28 shot, do not restart; give the day-28 shot.
Is there a booster later?
If there is no new risk, no booster is needed.
Which hospital gives the vaccine?
Bangkok Hospital Phuket sells a rabies vaccine at THB 990. Bangkok Phuket Clinic sells one at THB 999 at six branches.
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General information checked against the sources listed above, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and office practice change; confirm with the immigration office or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.
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