Primary dose
The animal must be chipped and at least 12 weeks old on the date of vaccination. Depending on the vaccine, the validity of the vaccination begins at least 21 days after the first dose. The rabies vaccination and its expiry date must be entered on the animal’s EU pet passport or health certificate by a veterinarian. Only an EU veterinarian may mark rabies vaccination entries in the EU pet passport.
The primary dose is administered once or twice according to the recommendations of the vaccine manufacturer. The vaccine must comply with the international standard (WHO and OIE) and be approved in the country where the vaccination was administered.
Booster shot
Another dose of the rabies vaccination is given in accordance with the recommendations of the vaccine manufacturer. When an animal is vaccinated, the veterinarian enters the rabies vaccination and its expiry date on the EU pet passport or other vaccination certificate. The booster shot must always be given before the previous dose expires. The rabies vaccines currently in use in Finland are valid for two or three years, depending on the vaccine. The period of validity of the vaccine depends on the country in which the animal was vaccinated.
Late booster shot
If the animal is vaccinated after the previous dose has expired, the vaccination is considered to be a primary (first) dose that requires a waiting period of at least 21 days before the trip. This means that the vaccination programme starts from the beginning.
Note:
- Any rabies vaccination given before the pet is microchipped is not valid.
- Any rabies vaccination given for an animal that is under 12 weeks is not valid.