Required Vaccines and Medications for Travel to India
For travel to India, all travelers should receive routine vaccinations according to general guidelines, with additional vaccines recommended based on travel destination and risk factors including hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and potentially hepatitis B. 1
Routine Vaccinations (Recommended for All Travelers)
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap): One dose every 10 years 2
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): Ensure immunity, especially for those born after 1957 who haven't received two doses
- Influenza: Annual vaccination, particularly important for travel during flu season
- COVID-19: Complete primary series and boosters as recommended
Recommended Vaccines for India
High Priority
Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers to India 3
- Provides >95% protection after a single dose
- Long-lasting protection (>20 years)
- Should be administered at least 2-4 weeks before departure if possible
Typhoid Fever: Strongly recommended, especially for the Indian subcontinent 3
- Injectable typhoid vaccine (preferred): One dose provides protection for 2-3 years
- Oral typhoid vaccine (alternative): Four doses taken every other day, provides protection for 5 years
- Note: Oral typhoid vaccine should be avoided in immunocompromised travelers 1
Consider Based on Risk Factors
Hepatitis B: Recommended for:
Japanese Encephalitis: Consider for:
- Rural travel lasting >30 days
- Travel during monsoon/post-monsoon seasons
- Two-dose series completed at least 1 week before travel
Rabies: Consider for:
- Extended stays
- Adventure travelers
- Those visiting remote areas
- Three-dose pre-exposure series (days 0,7, and 21-28)
Malaria Prevention
India has malaria-endemic regions, requiring preventive measures:
Antimalarial Medications: Based on region of travel within India
Mosquito Bite Prevention:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET
- Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets
- Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during evening and night
- Use air conditioning or window/door screens 1
Traveler's Diarrhea Prevention
- Pack preventive medications:
- Antibiotic for self-treatment (e.g., ciprofloxacin 500mg twice daily for 3-7 days)
- Antidiarrheal medication (e.g., loperamide) 1
- Avoid antiperistaltic agents if high fever or bloody stools present
Special Considerations
Immunocompromised Travelers
- Live vaccines (yellow fever, oral typhoid) should be avoided 2, 1
- Inactivated vaccines are generally safe but may have reduced efficacy 1
- Consider checking antibody response to hepatitis A vaccination 2
Last-Minute Travelers
- Even if the first dose of hepatitis A vaccine is given on the day of travel, it will provide adequate protection 4
- For hepatitis B, the accelerated schedule (0,7,21 days) can provide early protection 4
- Typhoid vaccine can provide immunity in over 70% of travelers when given 1 week prior to departure 4
Documentation Requirements
- Ensure all vaccinations are documented in an International Certificate of Vaccination
- No mandatory vaccinations are currently required for entry to India from most countries, but requirements can change
- Travelers on immunosuppressive therapy who cannot receive certain vaccines should obtain a medical waiver letter 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Delaying vaccination: Many vaccines require time to develop immunity; schedule a pre-travel consultation at least 4-6 weeks before departure
- Ignoring routine vaccinations: Focus only on "travel vaccines" while neglecting routine immunizations
- Overlooking malaria prophylaxis: India has significant malaria risk in many regions
- Neglecting food and water precautions: These are essential regardless of vaccination status
Remember that vaccination is just one component of travel health preparation. Travelers should also practice careful food and water hygiene and take appropriate precautions against insect bites.