Your rabies course, sorted close to home
Oldham sits on the edge of the Pennines with a large, diverse and well-travelled population, and a steady stream of people heading off to visit family or explore further afield. Rabies is one of those vaccines people often leave to the last minute, then worry they have missed the window. You have not necessarily missed it, and we would rather you asked.
Because we are a dedicated travel clinic and NaTHNaC-designated Yellow Fever centre right here on Featherstall Road North, you do not need a GP referral and you will not be waiting weeks for an appointment. We assess your trip, give the vaccine, and make sure you understand exactly what to do if you are ever bitten or scratched while you are away.
Rabies vaccination in Oldham
Rabies is a virus found in the saliva of infected animals, usually spread by a bite, scratch or lick to broken skin. It is present across much of Asia, Africa and Latin America, and once symptoms appear it is almost always fatal. The reassuring part is that it is preventable. At Oldham Clinic on Featherstall Road North, our pharmacist prescriber gives the pre-exposure rabies course in one place, with no GP referral and no long wait for a travel appointment. You are assessed, vaccinated and given clear advice about what to do if you are ever exposed, all in a single visit.
Who needs the rabies vaccine?
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is worth considering for anyone travelling to a country where rabies is present, especially on longer or more adventurous trips. That includes backpackers and cyclists covering a lot of ground, people working or volunteering with animals, and travellers heading somewhere rural or remote where medical help and rabies treatment could be hours or days away. Children are a particular priority, because they are more likely to approach animals and less likely to report a bite or lick. If your itinerary takes you well off the beaten track in Asia, Africa or Latin America, it is worth asking us whether the course is right for you.
The rabies course and schedule
The standard pre-exposure course is three doses, given on day 0, day 7 and then between day 21 and day 28. Where your travel date is close, an accelerated 0 to 7 day schedule may be possible, so it is always worth asking rather than assuming you have left it too late. Ideally you would start the course a few weeks before you fly, so book as early as you can. We never quote prices on the page because they can change; see our booking page for current prices. One important point we always explain: even after the full course, any bite, scratch or lick from an animal abroad still needs urgent medical attention, but having had your pre-exposure doses simplifies the treatment you need and buys you valuable time.
Booking your rabies vaccine in Oldham
You will find us at Oldham Clinic, Westwood Pharmacy, 69-71 Featherstall Road North, Oldham OL9 6QB, just off the main routes through town and a short walk from the Westwood Metrolink stop on the Oldham and Rochdale line. There is free patient parking on-site, and Manchester Airport is around 40 minutes away by car, so it is easy to fit your appointment in before you travel. We look after travellers from right across Oldham and the wider Greater Manchester area. Book online or call 0161 213 0394 and we will get your rabies course under way.
What's included at your appointment.
A pharmacist-led assessment, the vaccine itself, and any certificate you need, in one visit in Oldham.
Nazma Bibi is the superintendent pharmacist at Westwood Pharmacy in Oldham (Oldham Clinic), registered with the GPhC (2059095).
Verify on the GPhC register (2059095) →Three steps to your vaccination.
Assess, vaccinate, certificate. Usually 20 to 30 minutes.
Rated Excellent by our Oldham patients.
Nazma is a brilliant pharmacist and is very empathetic and understanding.
Managed to fit us in last minute for travel vaccines. Brilliant service, very professional and knowledgeable.
The consultant we saw at Westwood pharmacy to discuss vaccinations for our trip to SE Asia was absolutely amazing. She was very knowledgeable, friendly & efficient.
Amazing customer service! Everyone here is so welcoming and humble. Special thanks to sister Nazma Bibi. I highly recommend every pilgrimage travellers (umrah/hajj) to get vaccinated in Westwood Pharmacy. 10/10
Very knowledgeable practitioner who administered our vaccines gave us some really good tips for our forthcoming travels.
I received my meningitis vaccine here, and the customer service was excellent. The process was hassle-free. I highly recommend them.
Common questions about the rabies vaccine.
Get your rabies course started in Oldham
Do not leave your rabies vaccination to chance. Book online or call 0161 213 0394 and get protected before you travel, with free parking on-site and no GP referral needed.