Travel vaccines for India
For most trips to India, UK guidance advises hepatitis A, typhoid, and a diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster if yours is out of date. Depending on your itinerary, hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and cholera may also be advised. Malaria risk varies by region, and you need a yellow fever certificate only if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Vaccines at a glance
- Most travellers: hepatitis A, typhoid and the diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster.
- Some travellers: hepatitis B (longer stays, medical treatment), rabies (remote areas, animal contact), Japanese encephalitis (long rural stays) and cholera (aid work, outbreaks).
Malaria in India
Risk differs a great deal between regions and seasons. Many popular tourist areas need bite prevention only, while some states carry enough risk for tablets. Bring your route to the consultation and we will check each stop. See malaria tablets and advice.
Yellow fever rules
India has no yellow fever, but it strictly checks certificates from travellers who arrive from, or transit through, a country with yellow fever risk. Travellers without one can be quarantined. See the yellow fever guide.
Before you go
Allow six to eight weeks if you can. You can arrange travel vaccinations at Brighton Hill Pharmacy, where the clinic is based. This is general guidance. Your pharmacist will confirm what you need using the latest NaTHNaC country information, your full itinerary and your health. You can also read the country pages on TravelHealthPro.
Frequently asked questions
What vaccines do I need for India?
Most travellers need hepatitis A, typhoid and an up-to-date tetanus booster. Hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and cholera depend on your trip.
Do I need malaria tablets for India?
It depends where and when you go. Some areas need tablets, many tourist routes need bite prevention only.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for India?
Only if you arrive from, or transit through, a country with yellow fever risk.