Vaccinations for India: What You Need Before You Travel

When planning a trip to vaccinations for India, required or recommended immunizations that protect travelers from diseases common in the region. Also known as travel vaccines, these aren’t just paperwork—they’re your first line of defense against illnesses you won’t find back home. Most people think they need every shot under the sun, but that’s not true. You don’t need every vaccine listed on a clinic’s poster. You need the ones that actually protect you from real risks on the ground.

Take typhoid, a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, common in areas with poor sanitation. It’s not rare in India. Tourists get it every year—usually from street food, bottled water that wasn’t sealed, or ice in drinks. The vaccine isn’t 100% foolproof, but it cuts your risk by half. And it’s way cheaper than a hospital bill abroad. Then there’s hepatitis A, a liver infection passed through unclean food or water, often linked to raw vegetables or shellfish. It’s not deadly, but it can knock you out for weeks. You’ll feel fine one day, then spend the next two weeks in your hotel room with stomach cramps and fever. Both shots are single-dose and last years. Skip them? You’re gambling with your trip.

What about rabies? If you’re planning to hike, volunteer with animals, or just walk through rural areas where stray dogs roam, yes—it’s worth considering. A dog bite in a remote village isn’t something you can brush off. Post-exposure treatment isn’t always available on short notice. Pre-exposure shots mean you’ll need fewer doses if something happens. Malaria pills? Not a vaccine, but they’re part of the same conversation. If you’re going to rural North India, the Northeast, or parts of Central India during monsoon season, you’ll want to talk to a doctor about antimalarials. You don’t need them in Delhi or Goa, but you do in the forests of Odisha or the hills of Assam.

Polio? Measles? Tetanus? You probably got these as a kid. Check your records. If you’re up to date on your routine shots, you’re already covered. No need to redo them unless your last tetanus was over ten years ago. The flu shot? Smart if you’re traveling in winter, but not required. Yellow fever? Only if you’re coming from a country where it’s present. India doesn’t require it for entry unless you’re arriving from Africa or South America.

Timing matters. Most vaccines need at least two weeks to kick in. Don’t wait until the night before your flight. Some, like typhoid, come as a shot or a pill—pick the one that fits your schedule. Get them from a travel clinic, not a random pharmacy. They’ll know what’s current, what’s outdated, and what’s actually needed for your itinerary.

Below, you’ll find real advice from travelers who’ve been there—what they got, what they skipped, and what actually kept them healthy. No fluff. No fear-mongering. Just what works.