India is one of the most rewarding places Australians travel, whether for weddings, family visits, yoga retreats or the Golden Triangle. It is also a destination where a pre-travel appointment really matters, with risks ranging from food and waterborne infections to rabies, malaria and air pollution.
This guide covers the vaccinations commonly recommended for India, whether you need malaria tablets, and practical ways to stay well while you are there.
Key points
- Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are commonly recommended for India.
- Rabies is a significant risk. WHO estimates India accounts for around one-tenth of global rabies deaths, mostly from dog bites.
- Malaria is present in most of India, including Mumbai and New Delhi, so malaria tablets are often recommended.
- Smartraveller advises against drinking tap water in India.
- Air pollution can reach hazardous levels from October to February.
Travelling soon? A TMA travel doctor can tailor your vaccines and advice to your itinerary.
Which vaccinations do I need?
The right vaccines depend on your itinerary, length of stay, activities, age and health. These are the vaccines most often discussed.
Routine vaccines, including measles
Check your routine vaccines are up to date before any overseas trip. The Australian Immunisation Handbook advises that Australians born in or after 1966 who have not had 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine should generally have MMR before travel. See our measles and travel checklist.
Hepatitis A
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends hepatitis A vaccine for travellers aged 1 year and over going to countries where hepatitis A is common, unless they are already immune. It is spread through contaminated food and water.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine may be recommended for travellers aged 2 years and over to the Indian subcontinent, according to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, particularly for longer stays, rural travel or visiting friends and relatives. It is available as an injection or oral capsules.
Rabies
WHO estimates India has around 5,700 human rabies deaths a year, around one-tenth of the global total, with dogs causing more than three-quarters of the estimated 9.1 million animal bites each year. Smartraveller warns that dogs attack people and can transmit rabies. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination can be given over two visits a week apart. It does not remove the need for treatment after a bite, but means you need fewer doses and do not need rabies immunoglobulin, which can be hard to find overseas. Wash any bite or scratch thoroughly with soap and water and get medical care the same day.
Japanese encephalitis
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends JE vaccine for travellers spending a month or more in endemic areas, and suggests considering it for shorter trips with rural travel, camping or travel in the wet season. Adults usually need one dose of Imojev or two doses of JEspect 28 days apart. See our JE guide.
Do I need malaria tablets for India?
Often, yes. The CDC lists malaria as present in most of India, including Mumbai and New Delhi, with the exception of areas above 2,000 metres in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Sikkim. Your travel doctor will advise based on your itinerary. Our malaria tablets guide explains the options available in Australia.
Food, water and air quality
Smartraveller advises against drinking tap water in India and notes that waterborne and foodborne diseases are very common. Drink bottled or treated water, choose freshly cooked hot food, and pack oral rehydration salts.
Smartraveller also warns that air pollution in parts of India can spike to hazardous levels during winter, from October to February, and people with heart and lung conditions may be especially affected. Bring your usual medicines and talk to your doctor before you go if you have asthma or a heart condition.
Medicines and medical care
Some medicines may be illegal in India even if prescribed in Australia. Carry enough for your whole trip, plus a copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter. Medical facilities in major cities have adequate standards, but care in remote and rural areas can be very limited, and tourists must pay for all care. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.
When should I see a travel doctor?
Healthdirect recommends seeing your doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. Every TMA member clinic offers pre-travel consultations and is an approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a rabies vaccine for India?
It is not compulsory, but it is worth discussing, particularly for children, longer stays, rural travel and anyone likely to be around animals.
Is malaria a risk in Delhi and Mumbai?
Yes. The CDC lists malaria as present in most of India, including Mumbai and New Delhi.
How long before my trip should I see a travel doctor?
Ideally 4 to 6 weeks before you leave, so there is time for vaccines that need more than one dose. If you are leaving sooner, an appointment is still worthwhile.
Find a TMA travel doctor near you.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Recommendations change, so speak with your doctor before you travel.