India Travel Vaccinations

A viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water — risk exists even for careful eaters staying in good hotels, which is why vaccination is advised for virtually all travellers to India. Illness causes weeks of fatigue, nausea and jaundice. A single injection before travel protects, and a booster 6–12 months later extends protection for around 25 years.

A bacterial infection from contaminated food and water causing prolonged fever, headache and abdominal illness. India and its neighbours account for the majority of the world's typhoid cases, and risk is highest for street-food eaters and travellers staying with friends and relatives. One injection gives around three years' protection.

These are covered by the UK childhood programme, but protection fades. Tetanus enters through cuts and animal scratches; diphtheria spreads person-to-person. Travellers whose last dose was over ten years ago need a single combined booster.

India accounts for around a third of the world's rabies deaths. Street dogs are everywhere, monkeys frequent temples and tourist sites, and a lick, scratch or bite can transmit the virus. Once symptoms appear rabies is almost always fatal — and the treatment needed after a bite by an unvaccinated person is expensive and genuinely hard to obtain outside major cities. Pre-travel vaccination is a course of three injections over 3–4 weeks, so this is the vaccine that most rewards booking early. It's particularly advised for longer stays, rural travel, children (who are bitten more often) and anyone likely to be around animals.

A mosquito-borne viral brain infection found in rural India, especially around rice paddies and pig farming, with risk peaking during and after the monsoon. Serious cases can be fatal or cause lasting neurological damage. Vaccination (two doses, usually four weeks apart) is advised for longer stays and rural itineraries.

A blood-borne viral liver infection transmitted through unprotected sex, tattoos, piercings, medical procedures and injuries. Advised for longer stays, healthcare workers and anyone whose plans carry a risk of blood contact. The standard course is three injections; an accelerated 21-day schedule suits imminent departures.

A severe diarrhoeal illness from heavily contaminated water. Risk to conventional tourists is very low; the oral vaccine is reserved for aid workers and travel to areas with very poor sanitation.

Dengue is one of the most common mosquito-borne infections in India and, unlike malaria, the mosquitoes that carry it bite during the day and thrive in cities. A second infection can be more severe than the first. A dengue vaccination is available at our travel clinic — open to all eligible travellers, whether or not you've had dengue before — given as two doses three months apart, so it rewards booking early. Bite avoidance remains important even when vaccinated. Read more on our dengue fever page or ask at your consultation.

Ideally 6–8 weeks before travel, because the rabies and Japanese encephalitis courses take 3–4 weeks to complete — and for India the rabies course is especially worthwhile. Flying sooner? Single-dose protection against hepatitis A and typhoid works at shorter notice, and accelerated schedules exist — book the earliest appointment you can and we'll prioritise.

Usually not for the main tourist routes — risk there is generally low and bite avoidance is often enough. Tablets come into consideration for rural, forested and eastern regions, monsoon-season travel and longer stays with family. We map your exact route against current UK guidance at your consultation.

Yes — our clinic offers a dengue vaccination, available to all eligible travellers whether or not you've had dengue before. The course is two doses given three months apart, so book well ahead of your trip. See our dengue fever page for details.

You only pay for the vaccinations you actually need, agreed at your consultation. Current prices are on our travel clinic price list.

Yes — we routinely see couples and families together. Book one slot and mention the number of travellers, or call us on 01276 21002 and we'll arrange it.

Not if you're travelling directly from the UK — but India strictly enforces certificates for anyone arriving from a yellow fever risk country. If your route includes Africa or South America, see our yellow fever page.

Your itinerary (destinations, dates, rural stops), your vaccination history if you have it, and a note of any medicines you take or allergies. That's all we need to build your personalised plan.