Vaccinations for India: What You Need Before You Go

Planning a trip to India? The first thing you should do after booking flights is check your vaccinations. Getting the right shots can mean the difference between an amazing adventure and a sick day stuck in a hotel.

Core vaccines every traveler should have

India’s climate and crowded cities create a perfect storm for a few preventable diseases. The World Health Organization and most travel doctors agree on a basic set:

• Hepatitis A – spread through food and water. One dose protects you for years.
• Typhoid – also food‑borne. The injectable version is a single shot; the oral pills need a full course.
• Yellow Yellow fever – only required if you’re coming from a yellow‑fever‑endemic country, but many airlines still ask for proof.
• Routine vaccines – make sure you’re up‑to‑date on measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR), diphtheria‑tetanus‑pertussis (DTaP), and polio.

These shots are usually given at least two weeks before departure, so schedule your appointment early.

Optional but smart vaccines

Depending on where you’re heading and what you’ll be doing, you might consider a few extras:

• Hepatitis B – if you’ll be staying for a long time, getting tattoos, or might need medical treatment.
• Japanese encephalitis – recommended for rural travel during the monsoon season, especially in the northeast and parts of the south.
• Rabies – a good idea if you’ll be trekking, working with animals, or staying in remote areas where medical help is far.
• COVID‑19 booster – keep an eye on the latest guidelines; many states still ask for proof of vaccination.

Talk to a travel clinic; they’ll match your itinerary with the right shots.

Where to get the vaccines? In most Indian cities you’ll find reputable private hospitals and travel‑medicine centers that offer the full package. However, many travelers prefer getting immunized at home before they leave. Clinics in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have dedicated travel‑medicine departments that can handle all the paperwork and give you a traveler’s health card.

If you choose to vaccinate in India, bring your immunization record and be ready for a short wait. Prices are lower, but the quality varies, so stick to well‑known chains like Apollo, Fortis, or Asian Heart Institute.

Practical tips to stay healthy after you’ve been vaccinated:

1. Drink only bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice cubes unless you know they’re made from safe water.
2. Eat hot, freshly cooked meals. Street food is delicious, but make sure it’s served hot and the vendor follows good hygiene.
3. Wash your hands often, especially before meals. A small bottle of hand sanitizer is a lifesaver on train rides.
4. Carry a basic medical kit with rehydration salts, anti‑diarrheal pills, and any prescription meds you need.

Vaccines are your first line of defense, but good habits keep you safe day to day.

Bottom line: schedule your shots at least a month ahead, match them to your route, and keep a copy of your vaccine record handy. With the right prep, you’ll spend more time exploring India’s wonders and less time worrying about getting sick.