Travelling to exotic locations around the world is easier now than it has ever been before. Low cost airlines and travel agencies that offer package holidays see us travelling all over the globe and experiencing countless cultures, cuisine and countries. One such destination, growing rapidly in popularity is India. With a rich heritage and culture, it’s no surprise more and more of us are visiting India.
If you’re planning such a holiday however, you need to be aware of the requirements for inoculations before departing on your adventure in India.
General Vaccines for Travel
Before we get specific, let’s have a look at the vaccines every traveller should be getting, regardless of where they’re going. Routine vaccines are very important – both for travel and for day to day life. These are especially important before you travel.
Travel Health Specialists recommend getting your shots, vaccines, and inoculations six weeks before you travel to ensure they have had enough time to become effective.
Strong recommendations are made to ensure you are up to date on your MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) and Influenza vaccine schedule. A tetanus and diphtheria booster is generally always advised for travellers.
But What Jabs Do I Need if I’m Travelling to India?
The recommended injections for India is a short list and most of them are optional depending on what you’ll be doing in India. It’s a good idea to be cautious when it comes to getting shots, but it’s best to speak to a travel health specialist who can advise you on your needs. The most common jabs required for travellers to India are described below.
The first shots you’ll want to get are for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Transmission of both of these diseases is mainly through contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B is often advised as there are high rates of the viral disease in India. It is carried in blood and bodily fluids, and it can be spread through use of unclean medical instruments, tattooing and unprotected sex. You might be able to skip the Hepatitis B jab, but if you have an accident of any kind, you’re going to wish you’d got the shots!
You may also need to get vaccinated against Japanese Encephalitis – dependant on where you’re going in India and what time of year you’ll be there. Even travellers on brief trips may have increased risk, especially those with extensive night time or rural exposure.
Another vaccination you will want to get before you travel is for Rabies. Rabies is a virus carried in animals’ saliva and if caught is 100% fatal. As a general rule, the risk to travellers is low, but India is a high risk country for rabies. The course of 3 vaccines cover you for life, so are also beneficial for any future trips.
Finally, you may also want to consider Malaria tablets, especially if you are going into any of the high-risk areas. It’s best to discuss this with your travel health specialist.
If you’re travelling from a country with risk of Yellow Fever, you’ll need to show proof you have been inoculated against it upon your arrival in India.
Where Do I Get My Shots?
By ensuring you visit a reliable clinic, you’ll be able to get all your injections and inoculations for India and will receive the best protection you can get against unwanted diseases which could cut your trip short or even threaten your life.
Your time in India, discovering all it has to offer, should be a memorable one, not one worrying about disease! You have so many amazing experiences to look forward to, and by being prepared with your health, you can avoid worrying about some health related risks when travelling. This is our opinion only, always check for the latest advice from a specialist clinic or doctor before you travel.
