Destination guide
Travel vaccines for India
Whether it's the Golden Triangle, Goa, Kerala or visiting family, here's what UK travellers are usually advised before visiting India — confirmed for you at a quick consultation.
Overview
What vaccinations do I need for India?
India is a hugely popular destination, including for travellers visiting friends and relatives. Most trips call for a few travel vaccinations on top of your routine UK immunisations, and there's an important Yellow Fever certificate rule to be aware of even though India itself has no yellow fever risk.
The list below is a general guide based on UK travel health advice. We'll confirm exactly what you need — and whether malaria tablets are advised for your route — at a short consultation.
Plan ahead
Book 4–6 weeks before you fly
Some vaccines need more than one dose or time to work, so aim to come in 4–6 weeks before departure. Travelling sooner — or visiting family at short notice? Come in anyway; there's almost always something we can do.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccines commonly advised for India
Grouped by how often they're recommended. Your personal list is confirmed at consultation. Vaccine guidance is based on public health information from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC).
Hepatitis A
Most travellers
Spread through contaminated food and water — advised for nearly all trips to India.
Typhoid
Most travellers
Recommended for most travellers — typhoid is relatively common in India.
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
Most travellers
A combined booster is recommended if you're not up to date.
Hepatitis B
Some travellers
Advised for longer stays, healthcare work, or possible medical/dental treatment.
Rabies
Some travellers
Often advised — rabies is widespread in India and dog bites are common.
Japanese Encephalitis
Some travellers
For longer stays in rural/farming areas, especially during and after the monsoon.
Cholera
Some travellers
Considered for higher-risk trips, relief work, or where sanitation is poor.
Certificate rule
The Yellow Fever certificate rule for India
There is no yellow fever in India, so you don't need the vaccine to protect your health there. However, India requires a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from — or have recently passed through — a country with a risk of yellow fever (much of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America). If that applies to your trip, you'll need the certificate to enter.
- Coming straight from the UK? No yellow fever certificate is needed
- Travelling via or from Africa/South America? You may need the certificate
- We're a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre and issue the official certificate
Malaria & mosquitoes
Malaria and dengue in India
Malaria risk is present in many parts of India and varies by region and season, so antimalarial tablets are recommended for a lot of itineraries. Dengue also occurs widely, so mosquito-bite protection is important everywhere.
- We'll advise the right antimalarial tablets for your specific route
- Use repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and use nets where needed
FAQ
India travel vaccines — FAQs
Only if you're arriving from, or have recently travelled through, a country with a risk of yellow fever (much of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America). Travelling directly from the UK, you don't need it. We can provide the vaccine and official certificate if your trip requires it.
Often, yes — malaria is present in many regions and the right tablet depends on where you're going. We'll check your itinerary and recommend the most suitable option, alongside mosquito-bite protection.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid are advised for almost all travellers, along with making sure your Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio is up to date. Rabies and Hepatitis B are commonly added depending on your plans.
Yes. Travellers visiting friends and relatives are among the most likely to pick up illnesses like typhoid and hepatitis A, often because trips are longer and involve home-cooked food and rural areas. We'd still recommend a check.
Ideally 4–6 weeks before travel, but we can help at shorter notice too.
Getting ready for India?
Book a quick consultation at our Timperley clinic near Manchester and we'll sort your vaccinations, certificate and malaria advice for your trip.