service update Anti-rabies vaccine in stock — start treatment the same day
July 28, 2026 · The Dispensary Arugambay
Rabies is present in Sri Lanka, and animal bites are one of the more serious things we see. The good news: rabies is almost 100% preventable if post-exposure treatment starts quickly. We keep anti-rabies vaccine in stock at the clinic and can begin the course the same day — no need to travel to Colombo.
If an animal bites or scratches you — dog, cat, monkey, or bat:
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for 15 minutes. This alone dramatically lowers the risk.
- Come in as soon as possible. The first vaccine dose is most effective when given early. The course continues on set days afterwards.
- Don’t wait to “see how it heals.” Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, but entirely preventable before then.
We’ll clean the wound, assess whether you also need rabies immunoglobulin and a tetanus booster, and give you a clear schedule for the remaining doses — with English receipts for your travel insurance.
Read more in our guides on anti-rabies vaccination and animal bites.
Sources & further reading