Do You Need Vaccinations to Visit India?

India is a country that has a number of different health concerns for travelers. In many of the wealthier areas of the world, vaccinations start during infancy to prevent small children from contracting deadly viruses. In some parts of the world, diseases such as polio and measles are practically non-existent because of good vaccination measures. However, there are some countries where the people cannot afford vaccinations, the country doesn't have a universal vaccination schedule for its citizens, or vaccinations are not kept up to date in all areas of the country.

India is a country that has people from all different socioeconomic backgrounds. Some citizens of India may be well vaccinated and not at risk of catching or spreading deadly viruses, but some of the tribal villages and low socioeconomic areas may not even have vaccination programs. If you're traveling to India and will be visiting rural areas where healthcare is limited, you will want to speak with your doctor about receiving the proper travel vaccinations. If you know of a doctor that specializes in travel medicine, speak with them about where you'll be traveling and for how long to determine which vaccines you may need.

Common Vaccinations Needed When Traveling

All healthcare providers recommend that you update your routine vaccines if you did not follow a traditional vaccination schedule as a child. This includes vaccinating or getting boosters for mumps, measles, rubella, chicken pox, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and polio. Doctors recommend that adults who followed a polio vaccination schedule as a child still receive a booster for polio before traveling.

Hepatitis is one disease quickly spread when traveling. You should get a vaccine for both Hepatitis A and B before going to India, especially if you'll be working with indigenous people who may not have the best healthcare. Typhoid is another vaccine you may need, especially if you will be exposed to unclean drinking water or foods. Some doctors also recommend a rabies vaccine for travelers who will be spending a lot of time outdoors in areas where wildlife is varied and running free.

Medical Safety Precautions

If you will be traveling to a number of different countries on your trip, you may need to get vaccines for certain diseases that exist outside of India. For example, yellow fever is not a problem in India but if you travel to South America or Africa before India you will need proof of yellow fever vaccination. Try to get all of your vaccines completed at least a month or two before your trip. This will ensure that the vaccines have plenty of time to take effect, and you will also give yourself time to recover should you have an adverse reaction to a particular vaccine.

Make sure you speak with your doctor about any medicines you should take with you to India. Malaria is a problem in some areas of India, so ask your doctor about taking an anti-malarial drug with you should you contract the disease. You may also want prescription strength medicines for vomiting and diarrhea, since some tourists have trouble with the native foods and water in India. While not every disease has a vaccine available, your doctor can usually provide you with medicine and preventative measures for smaller viruses and diseases.