Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy
Quick Answer: India is a diverse country with varying health risks depending on your destination and activities. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and boosters for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio. Depending on your itinerary, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, and Cholera vaccines may also be advised. Antimalarial medication is recommended for most rural and lower altitude areas.
Entry Requirements: Are Any Vaccines Mandatory for India?
Travellers arriving in India from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. If your journey includes transit through a yellow fever endemic country (even briefly), you may be required to present this certificate. Travellers from the UK are not typically required to show proof of yellow fever unless the above applies.
Recommended Vaccinations for India
Hepatitis A – Strongly Recommended for All Travellers
Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water and is common across India. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers regardless of destination or duration of stay.
Typhoid – Strongly Recommended
Typhoid fever risk is elevated throughout India, particularly in areas with limited sanitation. All travellers should be vaccinated unless previously immunised within the last three years (injectable) or one year (oral). A combined Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccine is available and convenient.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio – Check UK Boosters
India has achieved significant progress in polio eradication, but travellers should ensure their routine immunisations are up to date. A combined booster (Revaxis) is recommended if you have not had one in the last ten years, or if you are visiting during or after significant time outdoors.
Hepatitis B – Recommended for Many Travellers
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for travellers who may require medical or dental treatment, who are travelling for extended periods, or who may be exposed through occupational or behavioural risk factors.
Rabies – Recommended for Certain Travellers
India has one of the world’s highest rates of human rabies deaths, primarily from dog bites. Pre-travel rabies vaccination is recommended for:
- Travellers visiting rural areas or areas remote from medical care
- Travellers engaging in outdoor activities where animal contact is possible
- Children travelling to India
- Travellers staying for four weeks or longer
Japanese Encephalitis – Considered for Some Itineraries
Japanese Encephalitis risk exists in rural agricultural areas of India, particularly during and after the monsoon season. Vaccination is recommended for travellers spending significant time in rural areas, particularly in northern and eastern India.
Cholera – Considered in Certain Circumstances
Cholera is present in parts of India. Vaccination is generally recommended only for travellers visiting areas with active outbreaks or those in higher risk occupations (for example humanitarian workers). Strict food and water hygiene remains the primary prevention strategy for most travellers.
Malaria Prevention for India
Malaria risk in India is significant in many areas. However, risk varies considerably by region and season:
- Low or no risk: Most urban areas including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata (minimal risk in city centres, especially during dry season)
- Moderate to high risk: Rural areas, forested regions, and areas below 2,000 metres altitude, particularly in Rajasthan, Goa (especially rural), northeastern states, Odisha, and Jharkhand
The most common malaria species in India is Plasmodium vivax, but Plasmodium falciparum also occurs and is more dangerous. Our travel pharmacists will recommend the most appropriate antimalarial medication based on your specific itinerary.
Food and Water Safety in India
Traveller’s diarrhoea is extremely common in India. To reduce risk:
- Drink bottled, boiled, or treated water only: avoid tap water, ice, and drinks with ice
- Eat freshly cooked hot food
- Avoid raw salads, peel your own fruit, avoid street food unless visibly freshly prepared and piping hot
- Carry oral rehydration salts and consider a prescription antibiotic for traveller’s diarrhoea: your travel pharmacist can advise
How Far in Advance Should I Book Travel Vaccines for India?
Book your travel clinic appointment at least six to eight weeks before departure. Rabies and Hepatitis B require multiple doses over several weeks. Typhoid and Hepatitis A can be given closer to departure if necessary, but earlier is always better.
Travel Clinic for India – Berkshire and Buckinghamshire
Newdays Pharmacy provides comprehensive travel health consultations and vaccine administration for travel to India and all global destinations. We serve patients in Windsor, Eton, Twyford, Reading, and surrounding areas.
Book Now: Book Your India Travel Vaccination Appointment
Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Malaria risk varies significantly across India. Antimalarials are not needed for many major city visits, but are recommended for rural, forested, and lower altitude areas. Your travel pharmacist will provide advice tailored to your specific itinerary.
Travellers arriving directly from the UK do not require yellow fever vaccination for India. However, if your journey involves transit through a yellow fever zone, a certificate may be required. Always check entry requirements before travel.