India travel vaccines: What you really need before your trip

When planning a trip to India, India travel vaccines, preventive shots that protect against diseases common in India. Also known as travel immunizations, these aren’t optional extras—they’re part of your basic travel prep, like packing a passport. Many travelers think they need every shot on the list, but that’s not true. What matters is where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and how long you’ll stay.

The biggest risks aren’t from fancy resorts or busy cities—they’re from street food, untreated water, and close contact with animals. That’s why hepatitis A, a liver infection spread through contaminated food and water is non-negotiable. Over 80% of travelers who get sick in India catch something from food or water, and hepatitis A tops that list. You only need one shot, and it lasts 20 years. Then there’s typhoid vaccine, a bacterial illness that causes high fever, stomach pain, and weakness. If you’re eating off the street in Delhi, exploring rural villages in Rajasthan, or even just drinking bottled water that’s been sitting in a hot truck, typhoid is a real threat. The shot lasts 2–5 years depending on type.

Don’t skip rabies vaccine, a deadly virus spread by animal bites, especially stray dogs. India has the highest number of dog bite cases in the world. If you’re hiking, volunteering, or even just walking through a village, you’re at risk. Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms show, but 100% preventable if you get the vaccine before exposure. It’s three shots over 2–4 weeks, and even if you get bitten later, it gives you critical time to get help.

Other shots like tetanus, polio, and measles are just updates to your routine immunizations. If you’re up to date from childhood or recent travel, you’re covered. Malaria pills? Not a vaccine, but often needed if you’re heading to rural areas in the monsoon. And dengue? No vaccine available yet—so bug spray and long sleeves are your best defense.

There’s no one-size-fits-all list. A two-week city tour in Mumbai needs different shots than a month-long trek through the Himalayas or a homestay in Assam. The good news? Most of these vaccines are cheap, widely available, and take less than an hour. You don’t need to wait months. Clinics in major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, or even your hometown can give you everything you need in one visit.

What you’ll find below are real traveler stories, doctor-backed advice, and clear breakdowns of which shots matter for which trips. No guesswork. No fearmongering. Just what you need to stay safe and enjoy your journey without worrying about getting sick.