What is Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation and, if untreated, death. The virus spreads primarily through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes in Ontario. Once symptoms appear—such as confusion, difficulty swallowing, or hydrophobia—the disease is almost always fatal. Because of this, rabies prevention through timely vaccination is a critical part of protecting your health.

What is the Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccine is a series of injections that help your immune system build protection against the virus. In Ontario, there are two main uses for the vaccine: pre-exposure vaccination for people at higher risk, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after contact with a potentially rabid animal. The vaccine uses inactivated virus, which means it cannot cause the disease itself. Instead, it stimulates your body to produce antibodies that neutralize rabies if you are exposed.

When Is It Recommended to Get the Rabies Vaccine?

The rabies vaccine is recommended in two circumstances: before you are exposed to the virus and immediately after possible exposure.

You may need the vaccine in advance if you:

Work in animal-related professions such as veterinary medicine, animal control, or wildlife research.
Plan travel to areas where rabies is common and medical care is limited.
Handle bats regularly, since bites may go unnoticed.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal that might have rabies, or if saliva from such an animal contacts a wound or mucous membrane, you need urgent medical care. Public Health Ontario advises that you begin treatment quickly, usually within 24 hours of exposure, to prevent the virus from progressing. Treatment usually includes both rabies immune globulin (RIG) and a series of rabies vaccine doses.

Getting the Rabies Vaccine in Ontario

Accessing rabies vaccination in Ontario depends on the situation. If you are seeking pre-exposure vaccination, you can arrange this through certain travel clinics or occupational health services. If you have had a possible exposure, local public health units coordinate treatment. They assess the risk, authorize vaccine use, and direct you to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Walk-in clinics play a role when you need immediate medical attention after an animal bite. You can go to a walk-in clinic for the initial wound assessment and care, but rabies vaccine administration typically requires public health involvement. The clinic may clean the wound, start antibiotics or tetanus shots if needed, and then connect with your regional public health unit to confirm whether rabies treatment should begin.

If you are in Oakville or Toronto, Infinity Health walk-in clinics can provide immediate care for the injury and coordinate referrals. Public health will ensure the vaccine is supplied and scheduled. This system helps prevent misuse of emergency rooms for non-life-threatening issues while still protecting you from rabies.

Here are the basic steps to follow if you may have been exposed to rabies:

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
Go to a walk-in clinic or emergency room as soon as possible.
Report the incident to your local public health unit for risk assessment.
Begin post-exposure prophylaxis if recommended, which includes rabies immune globulin and a vaccine series.
Complete all vaccine doses as directed to ensure full protection.

Book a Same-Day Walk-in Clinic Appointment at Infinity Health

Rabies exposure is an urgent medical issue, and you should not wait to seek help. At Infinity Health, we make it easy to book a same-day appointment at our Toronto or Oakville walk-in clinics. We can assess your injury, provide immediate care, and work directly with public health to make sure you receive the rabies vaccine if it is required. Protecting your health is our priority, and we are here to help you get the right treatment quickly.

Infinity Health Locations

Toronto: 39 Lower Simcoe Street, Toronto, ON M5J 3A6

Oakville (Bronte Village): 2441 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville, ON L6L 5V5

Getting the Rabies Vaccine in Ontario - Everything You Need to Know