We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in India overall due to the threat of terrorism and crime and the risk of civil unrest.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
But don’t let that scare you off. The country offers a vibrant culture so rich in history, with some of the most magnificent and exotic structures in the world – and it doesn’t stop there. India boasts a wealth of natural beauty and varying landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, to the shimmering waters of coastal retreats.
If you’re more of a spiritual seeker or embarking on a soul-searching journey, look no further than India. The town of Rishikesh is the spiritual hotspot, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”. Here you can find some of the most amazing yoga retreats in the world, devoted to helping you nourish your mind, body and soul.
Whether you’re planning an adventurous or more spiritual holiday, it’s important to consider the risks of disease and illness associated with your travel plans. Speak with your healthcare professional about the vaccinations or preventative medicines you might need to protect yourself prior to your departure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all travellers are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, influenza and pneumococcal. These vaccinations are given as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP). For a full list please refer to the NIP schedule, available here.
Travellers to India who are aged 5 years or older should also ensure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Other vaccine preventable diseases that are considered a risk in India include cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid. Your doctor will be able to let you know which vaccinations are recommended for you, based on the time of year, destination/s, activities planned and the duration of your stay.
All travellers should be up-to-date with their routine and COVID-19 vaccinations before heading off to India.
These include vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chicken pox, polio and influenza. For a full list, refer to the National Immunisation Program – available here
Most travellers
There is an increased risk of contracting hepatitis A and typhoid in India, both of which can be contracted through contaminated food or water.
Some travellers
Depending on where you are staying and what activities you have planned, the following vaccinations may be recommended for you by your doctor:
Goa is renowned for its beautiful beaches and thriving party scene. However, Goa does pose some risk of diseases to travellers.
Much like the rest of India, the recommendation is that you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations, and as well as your hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations. Depending on how long you are staying and what activities you are doing, other vaccines might be needed.
Let your doctor know if you have planned particular activities, such as sports, visiting locations where animals are present, or getting a tattoo or piercing. Your doctor will be able to let you know which vaccinations are recommended for you based on this information, as well as the season in which you are travelling and the duration of your stay.
Much like the rest of India, the recommendation is that you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations, and as well as your hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations. Depending on how long you are staying and what activities you are doing, other vaccines might be needed.
Let your doctor know if you have planned particular activities, such as sports, visiting locations where animals are present, or getting a tattoo or piercing. Your doctor will be able to let you know which vaccinations are recommended for you based on this information, as well as the season in which you are travelling and the duration of your stay.
It is best to consult with your doctor or travel health clinic at least a month prior to your departure. They will be able to advise you about any vaccinations that you may need for your trip well before you leave, based on your specific travel plans.
Your doctor may conduct a general health check-up. This may be needed for your travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition. If you are not up-to-date with your routine vaccinations, then your doctor may recommend that you get a booster or be vaccinated/revaccinated against a particular disease.
In some circumstances, your private healthcare may cover the cost of the vaccination.
This will however depend on the specifics of your policy with your provider – the type of cover you have (hospital, hospital + extra) and the specifics of your extras cover.
Contact your provider to find out if vaccinations are included as part of your cover.
MAT-AU-2200167 Date of preparation March 2022
Show All
By clicking on this link, you will be leaving this Sanofi hosted website, and depending on the link, will be redirected to either another Sanofi website (for example, to view the Sanofi Privacy Policy) or an independent third party website which is typically not a Sanofi controlled website and may not be located in Australia (“Third Party Website”).
Use of and access to any Third Party Site is subject to the terms, limitations and conditions set by the Third Party Site producer and applicable laws.
Sanofi does not generally develop or maintain Third Party Sites, nor does it necessarily control those sites availability or what information is contained on those sites in any given instance and makes no representation in relation to those sites to the maximum extent permitted under any applicable laws, regulations or codes.
Any information that you access via a Third Party Site, may not comply with the Australian regulatory requirements. Further information relevant to the Australian environment is available from Sanofi or via the Product Information.
