Vaccinations in India

There are no major health risks in India and no required vaccinations. However, taking precautionary measures should provide enough protection for expats coming to live in this Southern Asian jewel.

Vaccinations against Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for those who will be living in the rural areas where food preparation and water supply may be unsanitary. Health workers who will be handling body fluid specimens and individuals and may have active sexual relations with locals are highly recommended to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.   

A rabies vaccine should provide protection for people who expect to be dealing with animals either as part of their job or as outdoor hobbyists, including hikers, campers and the like. Those who could settle in farming areas will find it wise to get a vaccination against Japanese encephalitis. There are certain areas, such as the cities of Delhi and Bombay, where malaria is present so those who will be coming to these places should have the right vaccinations. Of course, routine vaccinations against MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) and DPT (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus) should be taken or updated. 

Advisories on vaccinations may change from time to time but regardless of the presence or absence of serious health risks in India, nothing should stop one from taking all the necessary precautions to ensure his or her own protection.