Travel Vaccines for India – Expert Advice from Corbett Pharmacy Droitwich Travel Clinic

Introduction: Why Vaccines Are Essential for Travel to India

As Chief Pharmacist and Travel Clinic Lead at Corbett Pharmacy in Droitwich, one of the most common destinations I advise patients about is India.

India is a fascinating country, full of vibrant culture, spirituality, and adventure. From bustling cities like Delhi and Mumbai to rural villages and the beauty of Rajasthan or Kerala, it offers something for every traveller.

But India also carries some significant health risks. Many diseases that are rare in the UK are still common there, so vaccination and travel health preparation are essential.

➡️ Heading to India soon? Book your travel vaccines today.

Why Travel Vaccines Are Important for India

India has a tropical and subtropical climate, varied sanitation standards, and a large rural population. This means illnesses spread more easily, particularly food and waterborne diseases, as well as infections spread by mosquitoes and animals.

Vaccines are the safest way to protect yourself from these risks, ensuring your trip isn’t disrupted by illness.

Essential Vaccines for Travel to India

Here are the vaccines I most commonly recommend for patients travelling to India:

1. Hepatitis A

• One of the most important travel vaccines for India

• Protects against viral liver infection spread by food and water
  ➡️ Hepatitis A vaccine details

2. Typhoid

• Protects against bacterial infection causing prolonged fever and abdominal illness

• Spread through contaminated food and water
  ➡️ Typhoid vaccine information

3. Tetanus

• Protects against bacterial infection from cuts and wounds

• Highly relevant for rural travel, temple visits barefoot, or adventurous activities
  ➡️ Tetanus vaccine guide

4. Hepatitis B

• Recommended for long stays, business travellers, or anyone needing medical/dental treatment abroad

• Also relevant for tattoos, piercings, and close personal contact
  ➡️ Hepatitis B vaccine details

5. Rabies

• High risk in India due to large populations of stray dogs and monkeys

• I strongly recommend vaccination for anyone visiting India, even on short trips
  ➡️ Rabies vaccine information

6. Cholera (for some travellers)

• Sometimes recommended for humanitarian workers or long-term rural stays
  ➡️ Cholera vaccine details

7. Japanese Encephalitis (for long stays in rural areas)

• Spread by mosquitoes, common in rice fields and farming areas

• More relevant for travellers staying in rural India for a month or more
  ➡️ Japanese Encephalitis vaccine information

Other Health Considerations for India

Malaria Prevention

• Malaria is present in parts of India, especially rural and forested areas

• I’ll check your exact itinerary and advise whether you need antimalarial tablets

Dengue Fever and Chikungunya

• Both spread by mosquitoes, especially during monsoon season

• No widely available vaccine for Dengue in the UK, though Chikungunya vaccine is available

• Bite prevention is essential

Traveller’s Diarrhoea

• Very common among travellers to India

• No vaccine, but careful food and water hygiene reduces risk

When Should You Get Your Vaccines for India?

• Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus – ideally 2–3 weeks before travel

• Hepatitis B and Rabies – require multiple doses, so start 6–8 weeks before travel if possible

• Japanese Encephalitis – also requires multiple doses, so book early

➡️ Leaving soon? Don’t worry – I can still provide last-minute protection: Book Your Appointment.

Food and Water Safety in India

I always remind patients that while vaccines offer great protection, hygiene is still key:

• Drink bottled or boiled water only

• Avoid ice in drinks

• Eat freshly cooked food served piping hot

• Avoid raw seafood and salads

• Peel fruit yourself before eating

Travel Health Tips for India

• Use mosquito repellent containing DEET

• Wear light, long-sleeved clothing in rural or mosquito-heavy areas

• Avoid direct contact with animals

• Wash hands frequently or carry sanitiser

• Be cautious with street food – choose stalls where food is freshly cooked

Frequently Asked Questions – India Travel Vaccines

1. Do I need vaccines for India if I’m staying in a hotel?
Yes – food and waterborne illnesses like Hepatitis A and Typhoid are common even in good hotels.

2. Is Rabies a real risk in India?
Yes – India reports more Rabies cases than almost any other country. I recommend vaccination.

3. Do I need malaria tablets for India?
It depends on your itinerary. Some areas are low risk, while rural and forested areas are higher risk.

4. How soon before travel should I get vaccinated?
Ideally 6–8 weeks before travel, especially for Rabies and Hepatitis B.

5. Can children get vaccines for India?
Yes – most vaccines are suitable for children. I’ll tailor advice for your family.

6. Do I need Yellow Fever vaccine for India?
Only if you’re arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is present. See: Yellow Fever vaccine.

7. Is Japanese Encephalitis common in India?
Risk is low for most short-term travellers, but higher for rural long-term stays.

Why Choose Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic for India Travel Vaccines?

Patients across Droitwich, Worcester, and Worcestershire choose us because:

• We provide all recommended vaccines for India in one appointment

• I (Aran Bassi) personally deliver every consultation and vaccination

• We stock rarer vaccines like Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis

• We offer flexible, same-week bookings

• Conveniently located at 36 Corbett Avenue, Droitwich WR9 7BE

➡️ Protect yourself before your trip: Book your India travel vaccines today.

Conclusion: Travel India Safely with the Right Vaccines

India is one of the most exciting and rewarding destinations in the world. But it’s also a place where health risks are higher, making travel vaccines an essential part of your preparation.

At Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic, I’ll ensure you have the right protection for your itinerary, so you can focus on enjoying the journey with complete peace of mind.

➡️ Book your India travel vaccine consultation today.

Written by:
Aran Bassi
Chief Pharmacist & Travel Clinic Lead
Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic
36 Corbett Avenue, Droitwich, WR9 7BE
📞 01905 795618