Vaccinations for Foreigners in India

India is a diverse country with a rich history, culture, and heritage. However, there are also potential diseases you could be exposed to. There are almost no mandatory vaccinations for traveling to India, but for many travelers, there is a high risk to their health in this country. Here is a list of the necessary vaccinations for foreigners in India.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a virus transmitted through contaminated water and food, and even close contact with an affected person. This disease infects the liver. The risk for Hepatitis A is high in India, so this vaccine is recommended for all travelers coming here, no matter where they will be traveling or staying within the country.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection transmitted through contact with bodily fluids or blood or by using infected products like needles or razor blades, or sexual intercourse. It is a chronic disease of the liver.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is given in childhood, but there is a high rate of Hepatitis B carriers in India. Health care workers or travelers planning to get a tattoo or piercing or anyone dealing with needles, blades, or bodily fluids should take this vaccine.

Malaria

Malaria is caused by mosquitoes and can often become severe and even fatal if not treated properly. India is at risk from malaria, although there are low-risk and high-risk malaria zones in the country. There is no vaccine for malaria yet, but there are malaria-preventive drugs. Your doctor can recommend the drug best-suited for you.

Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial infection which causes diarrhea by affecting the intestines. It spreads through contaminated water and food. This disease is a risk for all travelers coming to India. Avoid going for a swim in the popular rivers and streams frequented by millions of others. Additionally, if you are going to be living in rural areas or low-hygiene regions, it is recommended that you take this vaccine.

Typhoid

Typhoid can be caused by consuming contaminated food or water. India is high-risk for typhoid and it can be fatal. Therefore, this vaccine is recommended for everyone traveling to India, whether you are staying in rural or urban areas.

You can get either a shot, which lasts 2 years, or oral vaccine, which lasts 5 years. Your doctor can recommend the best-suited option for you.

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito found mainly in rural Asia. This disease infects the human brain and can be fatal. India is a high-risk region for this disease. Tourists who are planning to visit India in the monsoons or staying in rural areas should especially take this vaccine. Mosquitoes breed during monsoons and are more active then.

Rabies

Rabies is transmitted through sick animals like dogs, bats, and a few wildlife species. The risk of rabies is high in India and this disease can be fatal. If you are going to be involved in activities where you are exposed to rabid animals, you should definitely get this vaccine before traveling to India. These activities include farming, hunting, or being in remote areas alongside animals.

If exposure to rabies does occur in India, rabies vaccine is available in most parts of the country, except some remote areas. Children are also recommended to get this vaccine.

Read more: Is it safe to travel to India?

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease that is caused by a mosquito bite. There is no risk of yellow fever in India, and most travelers do not need a vaccination for it. However, any traveler coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission in the regions of Africa and South America will need to be vaccinated and a vaccination certificate is required for the same.

Polio

India became free from polio in 2014. To maintain that, India often asks for proof of polio immunity if you are traveling from a polio-infected country. It is a good idea to be up to date on your polio vaccinations before coming to India.

Tetanus-Diphtheria

Tetanus can be caused by contaminated cuts or bruises in the skin. There are more than 1 million cases of tetanus every year in the world. However, it is completely preventable by taking a vaccine. The vaccine is often combined with cover against diphtheria and lasts for up to 10 years.

Coronavirus 2019

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, this vaccine is recommended for all travelers in all regions, both domestic and international. A PCR test is not required anymore for entry into India, but it is recommended for travelers to have at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and a valid certificate for the same.

COVID-19

Things to note

• Check official health websites in India like https://www.mohfw.gov.in for vaccination updates before your trip.
• Before traveling, check if the region you are visiting can provide you with necessary healthcare.
• Get suitable travel insurance that covers unexpected medical treatments.
• Check the latest vaccine recommendations for India at least 8 weeks before your trip.
• Get vaccinated four to six weeks before traveling.
• While traveling to India, pack mosquito repellant, body-covering clothes, and even mosquito nets if you are in a region prone to malaria.
• Traveler’s diarrhoea, or Delhi belly, is a condition that affects many tourists visiting India. It occurs due to contaminated food or water, but it usually goes away in a few days. However, make sure to visit a doctor. Eat food that is prepared fresh in front of you.

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