India draws many people from around the world each year to see amazing sights and attractions like the Taj Mahal, Hampi, the Himalayas, and the Caves of Ajanta. Some travellers choose to visit to embark on a spiritual journey, experience adventure, or immerse themselves in Indian culture. The key to having a memorable trip to India is preparing ahead of time and being well-informed about India vaccine requirements.
What vaccines do Canadians need for India?
Vaccination recommendations for India apply to the following illnesses and diseases: cholera,Japanese Encephalitis, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis A and B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), chickenpox, pneumonia, shingles, influenza, and Tdap also known as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Read the charts below for additional details about vaccinations for travel to India1.
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the India
| Vaccine For | How the Disease is Transmitted | Recommended For: |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Unvaccinated travellers older than 12 months |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | All travellers |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for all travelers starting from 2 years of age |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquitoes | For travellers older than 9 months old coming from a country with Yellow Fever transmission risks, including layovers and ports, from at-risk countries. Travellers arriving without the YF certificate will be detained in isolation for ≤6 days2 |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | India is a high-risk country for rabies and the vaccine is advisable for everyone, including children |
| Cholera | Food & water | Children and adults who are travelling to areas with known high amounts of transmission |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquitoes | All travellers who-are moving to live in an area with Japanese Encephalitis- spending more than 1 month in areas with Japanese Encephalitis- frequently travel to areas with Japanese Encephalitis- spending less than 1 month in areas with the virus but will participate in activities that increase risk of infection including visiting rural areas, hiking,camping, or staying in areas without screens, air conditioning or bed nets |
| Malaria | Mosquito | Travellers visiting certain areas of India should take antimalarial medications and may need to take it multiple days before their trip. Talk to a travel health advisor for more information. |
Routine Vaccinations for the India
| Vaccine Type | How the Disease is Transmitted | Recommended For |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Saliva, respiratory droplets, direct contact of bodily fluids | Available for anyone unvaccinated and from 12 months of age as part of the routine vaccine covered by OHIP |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | All travellers without previous allergic reactions |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Travellers 50 years or older and travellers who have a history of chicken pox illness |
| Polio | Food & Water | All travellers are advised to be up to date with their immunization. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Travellers from 6 months to 65+ years old. Vaccines change each year, check with your medical professional for the latest information. |
| Chickenpox (Varicella) | Direct Contact & Airborne | All unvaccinated travellers or for travellers who never experienced chicken pox |
Is it safe to travel to India?
Generally, India is a safe country. Petty crime is common and often occurs in trains and buses. However, violent crime is generally uncommon. To avoid scammers, use reputable travel agencies when booking activities.
Does India still have COVID restrictions?
There are currently no COVID-19 vaccine requirements for India, and a COVID test is not required for entry. However, we recommend that travellers to India be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Do I need to take Dukoral for India?
Dukoral is one of the India travel vaccines recommended for the prevention of cholera. It has an efficacy of up to 85% for cholera and 25% for travellers’ diarrhoea.
Do I need yellow fever vaccine for India?
Any traveler aged 9 months or older who arrives by air or sea without a yellow fever (YF) vaccination certificate will be placed in isolation for a maximum of 6 days if they meet any of the following conditions:
- They arrive within 6 days of leaving an area where there is a risk of yellow fever virus transmission.
- They have transited through an area with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission, except for passengers and flight crew members who stayed within the airport throughout their transit, subject to approval by the health officer.
- They arrive on a ship that has either originated from or made contact with any port in an area with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission within the last 30 days, unless the ship has undergone disinsection following the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- They arrive on an aircraft that has been in an area with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission and has not been disinfected in accordance with the Indian Aircraft Public Health Rules of 1954 or the recommendations of the WHO.
The certificates approved by the World Health Organization is valid for a lifetime if the traveller received a full dose of the yellow fever vaccine. Speak with your healthcare provider prior to your trip. If you do get the vaccine, ensure to receive it at least 10 days before your departing flight to India.
Is it safe to drink water in India?
It’s recommended that you avoid drinking tap water in India. Instead, stick to sealed bottles of water, boiled or properly filtered water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and pasteurized milk.
Contact Us to Learn More About India Vaccine Requirements
By following our travel health tips, including staying up to date with necessary vaccines, you can protect yourself from potential health risks and have peace of mind during your time in India. Our clinic offers a range of recommended vaccines tailored specifically for this destination, taking into account the prevalent diseases and local conditions.
Remember, proactive measures such as proper vaccination, practicing good hygiene, and taking precautions specific to India will significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering any health-related issues during your travels. At ABC Travel Clinic, we strive to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your health while exploring the wonders of India.
Trust us as your reliable partner in ensuring a healthy and memorable trip to India. Contact ABC Travel Clinic today to schedule your travel health consultation and start your vacation with confidence!
References:
1CDC. “India: Traveler’s Health.” CDC Travelers’ Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india/.
2CDC. “India: Traveler’s Health.” CDC Travelers’ Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india/.
