Gloucester Travel Clinic

    Travel Health: India

    Essential vaccines, malaria advice, and health guidance for India travellers.

    India

    South Asia

    India is a vast and diverse country that attracts millions of UK visitors each year, whether for tourism, visiting friends and relatives, business, or spiritual pilgrimages. From the Himalayan north to the tropical south, India's varied geography brings a wide range of health risks. Travellers' diarrhoea, mosquito-borne diseases, and respiratory infections are common concerns. Comprehensive vaccination and malaria prevention are essential for a safe trip.

    Recommended Vaccines for India

    Hepatitis A

    Recommended for all travellers. Extremely common in India due to food and water contamination.

    Typhoid

    Strongly recommended. Typhoid is endemic in India and spread through contaminated food and water.

    Hepatitis B

    Recommended for longer stays, healthcare workers, or those who may receive medical treatment.

    Rabies

    Strongly recommended. India has the highest number of rabies deaths worldwide. Stray dogs are extremely common.

    Japanese Encephalitis

    Consider if visiting rural areas, especially during or after the monsoon season.

    Cholera

    Consider for aid workers, backpackers, or those visiting areas with poor sanitation.

    DTP Booster

    Ensure your routine diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccinations are up to date. Polio risk exists in India.

    MMR

    Ensure two doses — measles outbreaks are common in India.

    Meningitis ACWY

    Consider if attending large gatherings or festivals (e.g., Kumbh Mela).

    Malaria Risk in India

    Malaria is present throughout India, with higher risk in rural and semi-rural areas, particularly in Rajasthan, Goa, Mumbai, and the northeast states. The major cities of Delhi and Bangalore have lower but not negligible risk. Antimalarial tablets (Malarone or Doxycycline) are recommended for most itineraries outside major metropolitan centres. Bite prevention is essential everywhere — use DEET 50%, wear long sleeves in the evening, and sleep under treated nets.

    Key Health Risks

    • Travellers' diarrhoea — affects up to 70% of visitors to India. Strict food and water hygiene is essential.
    • Dengue fever — common in urban areas, especially during and after the monsoon. No widely available vaccine; prevent bites.
    • Air pollution — can aggravate asthma and respiratory conditions, especially in Delhi and major cities.
    • Rabies — India has the world's highest rabies burden. Avoid all contact with stray dogs, cats, and monkeys.
    • Heat stroke and dehydration — temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
    • Altitude sickness — relevant for travel to Ladakh, Kashmir, or Himalayan trekking above 2,500m.

    Travel Health Tips for India

    1Start your vaccination course at least 6–8 weeks before travel. Rabies requires multiple doses.
    2Carry oral rehydration sachets and anti-diarrhoeal medication in your travel health kit.
    3Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice, street food salads, and unpeeled fruit.
    4Apply DEET 50% insect repellent from dusk to dawn and use air-conditioned or net-protected rooms.
    5If bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately and seek urgent medical attention — even if pre-vaccinated.
    6Take out comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover. Healthcare quality varies widely.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What vaccines do I need for India?+
    We recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies for most travellers. You should also ensure your DTP and MMR vaccinations are up to date. Japanese Encephalitis, Cholera, and Meningitis may be recommended based on your itinerary.
    Do I need malaria tablets for India?+
    Antimalarials are recommended for most areas outside major metropolitan centres. Our pharmacist will assess your specific destinations and recommend the best antimalarial option.
    Is rabies a real risk in India?+
    Yes — India has the highest rabies death rate in the world. Stray dogs are everywhere, and post-exposure treatment may not be readily available in rural areas. We strongly recommend pre-exposure rabies vaccination.
    How do I avoid getting sick from food in India?+
    Drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid ice, eat freshly cooked hot food, peel your own fruit, and avoid salads. Carry hand sanitiser and use it before meals.
    Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for India?+
    India requires a Yellow Fever certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of YF transmission (including Kenya, Nigeria, and Brazil). Direct travel from the UK does not require it.

    Travelling to India?

    Book a travel health consultation and get all the vaccinations and advice you need before you go.