Vaccines before a trip to India: everything you need to know

If you’ve started searching for “India travel vaccines” and got a little scared… that’s understandable! There’s truly a huge amount of information out there. And it’s a good idea to start making sense of it if you’re planning a trip to India. 

In this article, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the recommended vaccinations for travel to India. 

Of course, we’re not doctors but a tour operator: your doctor will always have the final say.

What you should know about vaccinations for India

Here are the main vaccines recommended for India (including a handy table!)

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for India. 

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Quite a cocktail. 

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both abroad and domestically. Check with your local travel clinic to see whether the vaccine is available in your area.

If you’re thinking, “Do I really need all of this?!”, let’s clear things up in the table below.

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Other vaccinations and precautions to consider before traveling to India

Before leaving for any trip, no matter the destination, it is always advisable to consult your doctor for comprehensive advice on what you need to protect yourself from infections and viral diseases.

As if that weren’t enough (we know this all sounds a bit daunting, but it’s only right to be clear and transparent about everything), some mosquito-borne diseases are also widespread in India, including:

●  malaria: antimalarial medication is recommended in many regions of India. Taking antimalarials is a choice: you can decide to take them, or not. It is not mandatory, and in any case it does not provide 100% protection against malaria;

●  dengue fever: another mosquito-borne disease, dengue affects millions of people every year. In this case, covering yourself in repellent from head to toe could be a very good idea.

At this point you may be wondering: what about yellow fever? Shouldn’t we do anything? Is the yellow fever vaccine required for India?

India has everything—including yellow fever concerns. But the vaccine is not always mandatory. It is recommended for travelers going to India if they are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present, in which case proof of immunization may be required. 

How to prevent Delhi Belly (or traveler’s diarrhea)

Delhi Belly is very common among travelers, affecting up to 70% of them.

The causes can vary, from viral or bacterial infections to simply a change in diet. But however it appears, Delhi Belly can easily ruin your trip.

To avoid this, there are a few precautions you can take:

●  avoid risky eating habits: be careful about where and what you eat. Street food, we know, can be risky. But it also makes little sense to miss out on the local culinary experience and eat only pre-packaged food. Use common sense when deciding where it’s best to eat;

●  watch what you drink: water in India may be contaminated with bacteria and other biological agents that can cause Delhi Belly. Make sure everything you drink is clean. If you’re in a restaurant, don’t order drinks with ice, since it’s likely made with unsafe water;

●  consider preventive treatment: some products offer a degree of protection against Delhi Belly. In this case, speak with your doctor.

On that note, make sure to bring a kit with you that includes antibiotics or similar products that may help stop Delhi Belly if it starts.

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Conclusions

We believe it’s important not to be put off by medical requirements. There are many precautions to take, but it’s truly worth it! Always consult your doctor or someone who has already traveled to this destination, so they can reassure you and help you leave with peace of mind. In this article, we’ve looked at which vaccinations are required and recommended for travel to India.

By the way, did you know that we’ve organized an amazing tour in this country? Take a look at this link!