Statens Serum Institut recommends considering preventive rabies vaccination before travelling to countries where rabies occurs - including short trips, especially where access to rabies treatment is limited. We are happy to help you assess it based on your trip.
Rabies - think about it before you travel
Rabies occurs in many of the countries Danes travel to most - including on a short holiday. Here you can read how rabies spreads, why you should always seek medical help after a bite or scratch, and when it makes sense to get vaccinated before you leave.
Quick overview
- Spreads through saliva - usually by a bite, but also by a scratch or a lick on a wound from an infected animal.
- Most Danes are exposed in Turkey and Thailand, followed by countries such as Morocco, Sri Lanka and Indonesia (including Bali).
- Short trips too: Statens Serum Institut recommends considering vaccination before travelling to countries where rabies occurs - including short trips.
- The vaccination: 2 doses one week apart. Ideally start at least 2 weeks before departure.
- If you are bitten or scratched: seek medical help locally straight away - even if you are vaccinated.
Why talk about rabies now?
More and more Danes need treatment after being bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling. According to Statens Serum Institut, the number of treatments after animal contact abroad rose by 65% from 2024 to 2025, and by the end of August 2026 more treatments had already been given than in all of 2025.
Many of them were on ordinary holidays. Statens Serum Institut therefore recommends considering preventive vaccination before travelling to countries where rabies occurs - including short trips, and especially where access to rabies treatment at the destination is limited.
How rabies spreads
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the nervous system. The virus is found in the saliva of infected mammals and is usually passed on by a bite - but also by a scratch or saliva on a wound or in the eyes. An animal can be infectious even if it looks healthy and tame.
- Dogs cause by far the most cases worldwide.
- Cats, monkeys and bats can also transmit rabies - monkeys at temples and tourist sites are a classic situation.
- In Denmark bats are the only source of infection. Rabies is not found in other wild animals in Denmark (except Greenland).
It usually takes weeks to months from infection to symptoms, but this varies a lot. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. That is why it is important to seek medical help straight after a bite or scratch - not when you get home.
Who should consider vaccination?
- Travellers to countries with rabies - for example in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and parts of South America. Short trips too.
- Travellers far from treatment - for example backpacking, hiking and stays in rural areas, where it may be far to a place that offers rabies treatment.
- You, if you get close to animals - for example volunteering with animals, cycling or running where dogs may follow you.
- Children - they like to play with animals and do not always say if they have been licked or scratched.
- Occupational risk - for example vets and biologists in contact with bats.
We vaccinate children from the age of 2. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Statens Serum Institut states that the rabies vaccine can be given when the benefit for you is judged to outweigh the possible risks for the child. We assess this together with you at your appointment, based on your trip.
How vaccination works at our clinic
NurseCare offers rabies vaccination at our clinic at Rømersgade 3 in Copenhagen K - no referral needed. Our experienced healthcare staff go through your trip with you and make the plan, also if you need several travel vaccines.
- 2 doses: day 0 and day 7 (weakened immune system: 3 doses). We follow the Danish national course.
- Come in good time: ideally start at least 2 weeks before departure, so both doses are given before you travel.
- Price: see the price list for vaccination at the clinic. It shows the price per dose and the basic fee.
- Subsidy: if you are a member of Sygeforsikringen "danmark" (group 1, 2 or 5), you get a 50% subsidy (75% for members aged 16-25).
- Registration: the vaccination is registered in the Danish Vaccination Register (DDV).
If you are bitten or scratched
Always seek medical help
- Seek medical help locally straight away - even if the wound is small, and even if you are vaccinated. You should always be assessed by a doctor after a bite or scratch from an animal in a country with rabies.
- If you did not see a doctor on your trip, contact a doctor as soon as you are home.
Sources: Statens Serum Institut and sundhed.dk.
Avoid contact with animals
The best prevention is to keep your distance. Do not pet dogs, cats or monkeys - not even the ones that seem tame - and do not feed them. Take extra care with children, and teach them to tell you if an animal has bitten, scratched or licked them.
Frequently asked questions
How long before departure should I be vaccinated?
The vaccination consists of 2 doses one week apart. Ideally start at least 2 weeks before departure, so both doses are given before you travel.
Do I still need a doctor if I am bitten and vaccinated?
Yes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal in a country with rabies, always seek medical help straight away - even if you are vaccinated.
Is there rabies in Denmark?
Rabies is not found in dogs, cats or wild animals in Denmark, but a few bats can carry the virus. Never touch a bat with bare hands.
Where can I get a rabies vaccine in Copenhagen?
NurseCare offers rabies vaccination at our clinic at Rømersgade 3 in Copenhagen K, close to Nørreport. You can book directly without a referral.
Travelling soon?
Book your appointment online, or call us and we will help you with the right plan.
Read more about travel vaccination for all destinations.
Sources: Statens Serum Institut (news 28 September 2026 and EPI-NYT week 40/2026, disease encyclopaedia) and sundhed.dk (patient handbook). Last checked: 29 September 2026.
Clinically reviewed by Sanne Bjørk, Chief Nurse · Last updated 29 September 2026
