Travel Vaccinations for India

Malaria

Malaria risk in India varies significantly by region.

Higher-risk regions include:

• Assam
• Odisha
• Parts of Andhra Pradesh
• Parts of Madhya Pradesh

Travellers visiting these areas may require:

• Prescription antimalarial medication
• Strict mosquito bite avoidance measures

The remainder of India, including Goa, Mumbai, Delhi, Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is generally considered low risk where bite prevention alone is usually sufficient.

Lakshadweep is malaria free.

Antimalarial tablets are prescription-only medicines and are not prescribed on site. Where appropriate, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber.

Dengue and Mosquito-Borne Illness

Dengue fever circulates throughout India with seasonal outbreaks, particularly during and after monsoon periods.

Mosquito bite prevention is essential:

• Use insect repellent during daytime and evening hours
• Wear long, loose-fitting clothing
• Sleep in screened or air-conditioned accommodation where possible

Japanese encephalitis is present in rural parts of India.

Vaccination may be recommended for:

• Rural travel
• Longer stays
• Monsoon or post-monsoon travel
• Uncertain or flexible itineraries

Rabies

Rabies is present in dogs and other mammals throughout India.

Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered for:

• Longer stays
• Rural travel
• Children
• Animal exposure risk

If exposed:

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for 15 minutes
• Apply antiseptic if available
• Attend hospital or A&E immediately

Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is hospital-only treatment and is not available in UK community pharmacies.

Altitude Illness

Altitude illness can affect travellers visiting Himalayan regions including Ladakh, Leh, Sikkim and parts of Darjeeling.

Leh sits at approximately 3,514 metres above sea level.

Preventative advice includes:

• Gradual ascent where possible
• Rest days at altitude
• Maintain hydration
• Avoid alcohol during acclimatisation

Warning signs include breathlessness at rest, confusion, severe headache and persistent vomiting.

Acetazolamide may help reduce altitude sickness risk in some travellers and is a prescription-only medicine. Where appropriate, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber.

Other Health Risks

Traveller’s diarrhoea is common in India due to contaminated food and water.

Travellers should:

• Drink sealed bottled or treated water
• Avoid ice from unknown sources
• Practise regular hand hygiene

Air quality can be poor across northern India during winter months, particularly within the Indo-Gangetic plain. Travellers with heart or lung conditions should plan accordingly.

Heat and humidity can also be significant before and during monsoon periods.

Routine UK Vaccines to Check

Before travel, ensure routine immunisations are up to date:

• Td/IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster)
• MMR (two documented doses)

Children should be fully vaccinated according to the UK routine immunisation schedule.

When to Book

We recommend booking your India travel vaccination appointment at least six to eight weeks before departure.

This allows time to complete multi-dose vaccine schedules where required, including hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis.

What We Can Supply

Vaccines provided during consultation are subject to current Patient Group Direction (PGD) coverage and stock availability at the time of your appointment.

During your visit we can:

• Assess your itinerary and travel health risks
• Provide personalised vaccination advice
• Administer appropriate travel vaccines
• Support mosquito bite prevention planning
• Refer to an Independent Prescriber where required

Antimalarials and other prescription-only medicines are not prescribed on site. Where appropriate, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber, NHS GP or private prescriber.

Our pharmacist-led travel clinic supports travellers from Rochdale, Manchester and across Greater Manchester with India travel vaccinations and personalised travel health consultations.

Our clinic offers free on-site parking, refreshments during your visit and convenient access from across Greater Manchester.