Recommended Vaccines for Travel to India
Foreign travelers planning a trip to India, should consult the doctors or any medical professional about the vaccinations they might need. Like preparing all the documents before applying for the Indian eVisa, getting the right vaccination is important for your safety and to enjoy a healthy trip.
India is a diversified country, with different geographical features, and it's full of stunning places to explore, but it is important to be aware of tropical diseases like typhoid, jaundice, malaria, hepatitis A and B, etc.
To protect yourself from these diseases, travelers should get themselves vaccinated before traveling to India. Depending on the situation, the doctor or the medical professional will provide you with the necessary information and based on that will recommend the type of vaccine you will need.
Besides getting vaccinated, there are many other precautionary measures that you should take like practicing good hygiene, drinking from mineral water bottles, using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeves, wearing masks, etc.
So, those travelers planning a trip to India to explore the awesome and thrilling places and indulge in some leisure activities, should apply for the Indian Visa Online or India e-Tourist Visa. But in case they are visiting India on an India e-Business Visa and want to add some recreational activities to their itinerary, the immigration encourages such visitors to apply for the Indian Visa Online, for a hassle-free experience rather than visiting the Indian Consulate.
Essential Considerations for India Travel Vaccines
To get vaccinated for a trip to India is not an easy process, you have to follow certain steps, depending on the type of vaccinations required such as:
Visit a specialized clinic
Undergo allergy tests related to certain vaccines.
A series of booster shots are given for some weeks with gaps after each shot
As you need to receive the necessary vaccines before your trip, make sure to consult a medical professional who can provide proper solutions based on your health status, your travel plans, places you will be visiting in India and other important factors.
Most travelers to India are recommended to get vaccination for diseases like Hepatitis A and B, malaria, and typhoid. However, sometimes depending on your health conditions you might require to get additional vaccines or might be given extra preventative medications.
Also, after taking some vaccinations, the vaccinated person needs to be administered well, so it is important to have enough time before your travel date. The vaccinated person will have to visit the clinic for check up after taking the shot and make appointments for further booster shots.
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Foreign travelers who are interested in visiting India for recreation activities, sightseeing or to meet friends and family or Short-term Yoga Programme in India, are eligible to apply for the 5 year India e-Tourist Visa for an extended stay experience.
Vaccinations for Traveling to India
Travelers planning a trip to India, it is important for them to get vaccinated with the recommended vaccinations to protect yourself from these tropical diseases, which if taken precaution, do no harm to your life, but a slight delay in taking a dose might be life threatening. Depending on the places you are visiting in India or your planned itinerary, the doctor will advise the following vaccinations:
Hepatitis disease
Hepatitis A and B diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites and are one of the most prevalent diseases in India. This virus is spread through the contaminated or unhygienic food and body fluids, and it directly affects the liver. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended to prevent oneself from jaundice, nausea, stomach pains, vomiting, and extreme fatigue.
Duration of the Vaccine: Every 6 months, 3 shots
Rapid course: Every 5 weeks, take 3 shots (booster dose is given after 1-year for long-term immunity).
Yellow fever
Yellow fever is caused by the mosquitoes, though no signs of occurrence of this disease in India is found, however travelers are requested to get themselves immunized, specially if coming from a country where Yellow fever is common and is at risk.
Duration of the vaccine: Traveler has to take at least 1 shot, 10 days before his travel
Typhoid
Typhoid is caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi , and can be a life-threatening disease if precautions are not taken on time. The disease is usually spread by contaminated food and water, the bacteria present in it multiples in the bloodstream, hence causing high fever, stomach pains, headaches and weakness. One of the best ways to prevent it is getting vaccinated and taking special precautions while drinking water and having food during your trip.
Duration of the vaccine: 14 days before your travel to India take 1 shot
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Travelers can leave India by 4 different modes of transportation, i.e. by bus, train, air or cruise ship, but while entering India there are only 2-modes available, i.e. by designated airports and seaports, with the Indian Visa Online (or India eVisa). Here’s in detail information about Airports and Seaports for Indian Visa.
Measles
Measles virus is an infectious viral disease which primarily spreads due to the coughing or breathing of the infected person. This disease occurs in many parts of India and the symptoms include fever, pneumonia, rash and cough. Travelers are suggested to check and stay-updated regarding the measles vaccine.
Duration of the vaccine: 2 shots, each after 28 days
Cholera
Cholera occurs occasionally in India when the water and food gets contaminated by the bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. Cholera causes diarrhea and dehydration. It is recommended to get vaccinated for cholera if an epidemic has occurred in the area you are visiting in the past or recently.
Duration of the vaccine: 2 oral doses are given, each after 14 days
Japanese Encephalitis
This viral disease spreads due to the bite of mosquitoes. The prime regions of this virus are the rural and agricultural areas. The peak season of Japanese Encephalitis are July and October. The symptoms of this virus comprises fever, vomiting, headache, befuddlement, difficulty moving, and in some cases can lead to coma. Travelers should get vaccinated if they are planning for long-stays in India.
Duration of the vaccine: 2 doses, each after 28 days
Rabies
This virus occurs from bites of dogs, bats or any other mammals. Rabies in India is common from dog bites. If you plan to stay outdoors most of the time or work with animals, then you should definitely get vaccinated. The symptoms of this virus include weakness, confusion, seizures, irritability, and sensitivity to bright lights.
Duration of the vaccine: 3 doses, each after 28 days
Staying Healthy in India: Tips to Keep in Mind
To guarantee that you enjoy a safe and healthy trip in India, here are some of the essential tips to keep in mind
Carry anti-malarials, from a consulted doctor
In case you will be visiting tropical places, carrying anti-malarials is a must by consulting a doctor. Malaria is caused by mosquito bites and is very common in almost every part of India. Consult with a doctor which anti-malarial medicine would best work for you in India.
Keep away from wild Animals
While, it is highly recommended to keep away from wild animals as they may carry diseases and might attack you if you provoke them. Also, be cautious of street dogs and monkeys, which is a common sight in India.
Protect yourself from insect bites
Always use an insect repellent and if possible wear full-covered clothes to protect yourself from mosquito bites. The mosquito bites in India can lead to serious diseases like Zika virus, dengue fever and chikungunya.
Don't stay at unclean and unhygienic places
Kindly stay at places where maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is the top-priority of the homestays, hotels, guesthouses, etc, apart from other facilities. You don't want to stay at a place where the room and the location is dirty, and fall prey to dengue virus.
Eat and drink safely
Be careful while eating food and drinks in India, always opt for bottled mineral water, and do not eat food from street vendors. Make sure the food is cooked properly, avoid eating undercooked or raw meat and seafood.
Sanitizing properly
Keep on using hand sanitizer when out and wash your hands thoroughly with soap to prevent the spread of harmful diseases. Do keep a sanitizer with you when you are out.
Following the above mentioned tips and consulting with your doctor before traveling to India, you are sure to enjoy a safe and healthy trip in India.
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Foreign travelers who need to travel to India in an emergency crisis can apply for the eVisa for emergency (or Emergency Indian Visa). If you are living outside India and need to visit India for an emergency crisis like sudden death of an immediate family member or someone in your family is seriously ill or you have to attend the court for legal reasons, you can apply for the Emergency Visa for India. Known more about the terms and conditions of The Emergency Visa to Visit India.
Citizens of many countries including United States, France, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Italy are eligible for India e-Visa(Indian Visa Online). You can apply for the Indian e-Visa Online Application right here.
Should you have any doubts or require assistance for your trip to India or India e-Visa,contact Indian Visa Help Desk for support and guidance.