This article was last updated and fact checked on July 26, 2024 by Mani Karthik.
Planning a trip to India? Add a visit to your doctor to the top of your to-do list!
Before you head to the world’s second most populous country, it’s crucial to protect yourself from common diseases that spread through close contact.
Here’s a rundown of the vaccinations you’ll need for a safe and healthy trip to India.
In this article...
Recommended Vaccinations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following vaccines for travelers heading to India:
Hepatitis A
- Risk: Spread through contaminated food and water.
- Symptoms: Diarrhea, nausea, fever, fatigue.
- Why It’s Important: Hepatitis A can affect you regardless of your dining choices, so it’s best to be vaccinated.
Typhoid
- Risk: Spread through contaminated food and water.
- Symptoms: Similar to Hepatitis A.
- Why It’s Important: Particularly recommended if you’re staying with locals or in smaller hotels.
Cholera
- Risk: Limited to certain cities in India.
- Symptoms: Diarrhea, dehydration.
- Why It’s Important: Recommended for adults traveling to areas with active cholera transmission. Contaminated food and water are the main culprits.
Hepatitis B
- Risk: Spread through contaminated needles, blood products, and sexual contact.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, loss of appetite, liver issues.
- Why It’s Important: Essential if you might have medical procedures, tattoos, or sexual contact.
Malaria
- Risk: Spread by mosquitoes, especially in low-altitude areas.
- Symptoms: Fever, chills, flu-like illness.
- Why It’s Important: India ranks high in malaria cases. Preventive medication should be taken before, during, and after your visit.
Japanese Encephalitis
- Risk: Required if staying longer than a month or visiting rural areas.
- Symptoms: Fever, headache, vomiting, confusion.
- Why It’s Important: Consult your doctor based on your travel plans to see if this vaccine is necessary.
Rabies
- Risk: Spread by animals, especially dogs, bats, and monkeys.
- Symptoms: Excess salivation, muscle spasms, fever, headaches, paralysis, mental confusion.
- Why It’s Important: If you’ll be outdoors, working with animals, or staying for a long time, this vaccine is a must.
When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.
Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.
However there are other choices like these, as well.
Final Tips
Don’t let the fear of diseases deter you. With the right vaccinations and precautions, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything India has to offer. It might seem overwhelming at first, but with some preparation, your visit can be a unique and enriching experience.
Get your shots, pack your bags, and get ready to embrace the vibrant culture and beauty of India!
