If you are traveling from the United States to India, you should be concerned with required as well as suggested vaccinations so that you have a healthy and safe journey.
Required Vaccinations
Yellow Fever: India requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate only if you’re coming in from a yellow fever risk country. You do not need one if you’re coming directly from the U.S.
Vaccinations to Get
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers to India stay up to date on the following vaccinations
Routine Immunizations: Make sure you’re up to date on routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your flu shot every year.
Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers, since the virus can be spread through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids, such as through medical procedures, tattoos, or sexual contact.
Typhoid: Particularly advised if you’re living with friends or family, traveling to smaller towns or rural areas, or if you’re a foodie traveler.
Rabies: Consider if you’ll be engaging in outdoor activities that expose you to animal bites, like camping, hiking, or caving, or if you’ll be working with or around animals.
Japanese Encephalitis: Advised if you’ll be working or staying a lot in rural areas, particularly during the transmission period, or if your work will put you at higher risk (e.g., camping, hiking, outdoor work).
COVID-19: Make sure you’re up to date with all COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster doses recommended.
Other Health Considerations
Malaria: There is no vaccine against malaria, but you can take preventive medication. The requirement for antimalarial medications varies with your travel plan within India. You should consult your doctor to know whether you need to take prophylactic medication or not.
⏰ Timing Your Vaccinations
It is recommended that you see a travel medicine specialist or your doctor a minimum of 4–6 weeks prior to your trip. This provides a window for vaccine action and a chance for you to finish up any multi-dose series.
Documentation
If you’re coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you’ll have to produce an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) on arrival in India. The certificate takes effect 10 days after the vaccination.