Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
REQUIRED & RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS
The only vaccine required by international regulations is
yellow fever
. Proof of vaccination will only be required
if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within the six days prior to entering India. If you are travel-
ling to India from Africa or South America, you should check to see if you require proof of vaccination.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following vaccinations for travellers going to India
(as well as being up to date with measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations):
Adult diphtheria & tetanus
Single booster recommended if none in the previous 10 years. Side effects include
sore arm and fever.
Hepatitis A
Provides almost 100% protection for up to a year; a booster after 12 months provides at least another
20 years' protection. Mild side effects such as headache and sore arm occur in 5% to 10% of people.
Hepatitis B
Now considered routine for most travellers. Given as three shots over six months. A rapid schedule is
also available, as is a combined vaccination with Hepatitis A. Side effects are mild and uncommon, usually head-
ache and sore arm. In 95% of people lifetime protection results.
Polio
Only one booster is required as an adult for lifetime protection. Inactivated polio vaccine is safe during
pregnancy.
Typhoid
Recommended for all travellers to India, even those only visiting urban areas. The vaccine offers around
70% protection, lasts for two to three years and comes as a single shot. Tablets are also available, but the injection
is usually recommended as it has fewer side effects. Sore arm and fever may occur.
Varicella
If you haven't had chickenpox, discuss this vaccination with your doctor.
These immunisations are recommended for long-term travellers (more than one month) or those at special risk
(seek further advice from your doctor):
Japanese B Encephalitis
Three injections in all. Booster recommended after two years. Sore arm and headache
are the most common side effects. In rare cases, an allergic reaction comprising hives and swelling can occur up
to 10 days after any of the three doses.
Meningitis
Single injection. There are two types of vaccination: the quadravalent vaccine gives two to three
years' protection; meningitis group C vaccine gives around 10 years' protection. Recommended for long-term
backpackers aged under 25.
Rabies
Three injections in all. A booster after one year will then provide 10 years' protection. Side effects are
rare - occasionally headache and sore arm.
Tuberculosis (TB)
A complex issue. Adult long-term travellers are usually recommended to have a TB skin test
before and after travel, rather than vaccination. Only one vaccine given in a lifetime.
Medical Checklist
Recommended items for a personal medical kit:
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antifungal cream, eg Clotrimazole
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antibacterial cream, eg Mupirocin
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antibiotic for skin infections, eg Amoxicillin/Clavulanate or Cephalexin
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antihistamine - there are many options, eg Cetrizine for daytime and Promethazine for night