India Travel Vaccinations and Health Advice

Hepatitis A is commonly recommended for previously unvaccinated travellers to India because it spreads through contaminated food and water. Typhoid vaccination is also often discussed, especially if you are visiting friends or relatives, travelling for longer, staying outside higher-standard hotels, or eating where sanitation may be variable. Tetanus should be up to date, particularly if you may be far from reliable medical care. Malaria advice for India needs a map, not a yes-or-no answer. Malaria tablets are usually considered for higher-risk areas such as Assam and Odisha, plus specific districts in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Much of the rest of India, including Goa and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is classed as low risk, where bite avoidance and awareness are usually the focus. Lakshadweep is not considered a malaria risk. Dengue, chikungunya and Zika are spread by mosquitoes that often bite during the day, including in towns and cities. There is no simple tablet that prevents these infections, so repellent, covered skin and good accommodation choices still count. Rabies is a real consideration in India, especially for children, runners, cyclists, longer stays and anyone going where urgent post-bite treatment may be harder to reach. Japanese encephalitis may be relevant for longer or rural stays, particularly around rice-growing areas and during or after monsoon periods. If you are heading to Ladakh or other high-altitude areas, altitude illness deserves a proper plan too.