3 min read
Anti-Rabies Center - Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis
The Anti-Rabies Center-Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis-attends to anyone who has been in contact with an animal that may transmit rabies, either in France or abroad.
- In case of exposure abroad (bite, scratch, or contact of saliva with a wound or mucous membrane): a medical consultation is systematically recommended for management.
- In case of exposure in France: a medical consultation is systematically recommended only if the exposure involves a bat.
However, for other animals (dogs, cats, foxes, etc.), vaccination is not indicated in the vast majority of cases. Indeed, France has been free of rabies in terrestrial animals for over 25 years. For this reason, do not go to the rabies treatment center without an appointment. We will assess each situation by phone to determine whether vaccination is necessary.
Opening times and making an appointment
The Anti-Rabies Center is open from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 12 noon, by appointment only.
You can make an appointment by phoning +33 (0)1 45 68 80 88.
Where to find us:
Address: 211 rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris, France
> Metro: Volontaires (line 12) or Pasteur (lines 6 and 12) stations
> Bus: No. 39, 70 or 89 (Volontaires, Vaugirard or Sèvres–Lecourbe stops)
> Vélib (bike-sharing scheme): 19 Rue Émile Duclaux / 41 Boulevard Pasteur
You can find a map of metro lines and bus routes on the RATP website.
Find out more about the
What to bring to your appointment
Please bring the following to your appointment:
- your health booklet (carnet de santé);
- your immunization record (carnet de vaccinations);
- your Carte Vitale healthcare card or social security certificate.
How is rabies transmitted?
All mammals can spread rabies (dogs, cats, bats, foxes, monkeys, etc.). Most cases are caused by bites, but infection can also occur following a deep scratch or if the saliva of an infected animal gets into an open wound or mucous membrane.
The sooner treatment is administered after exposure, the more effective it is. See a doctor as soon as possible.
What does treatment involve?
Post-exposure rabies treatment involves several doses of the rabies vaccine, sometimes combined with anti-rabies serum. The vaccines currently in use are highly effective and well tolerated.
In France, treatment can only be provided at centers accredited by the Ministry of Health.
Prevention: do you need to be vaccinated before traveling?
Rabies in animals is now very rare in France and Western Europe, but it can still be prevalent on other continents. Preventive rabies vaccination may be recommended depending on your destination and the conditions in which you will be staying (isolated areas, contact with wild animals, humanitarian missions, etc.).
Feel free to make an appointment at our International Vaccine Center to speak to one of our travel medicine specialists.
HIA Bégin Anti-Rabies Center in Saint-Mandé
Rabies appointments are also available at Bégin Military Teaching Hospital (HIA Bégin), open in the morning from Monday to Friday on an appointment-only basis.
Contact: +33 (0)1 43 98 48 38
How to get there:
69, avenue de Paris – 94160 Saint-Mandé, France
Metro/RER: Bérault (line 1) or Vincennes (RER A)