Travel Vaccinations for India

Get your travel vaccinations to stay safe while travelling

 

Before packing your bags to travel to India, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks you may encounter there. As part of our commitment to keeping the community safe from various health risks, Coolangatta Medical Centre provides all the necessary vaccinations for India’s tourists from Australia.


What Vaccinations Do I Need for India?


While there is no set of required vaccinations for India travel, there are recommended vaccines to ensure maximum protection against potential health risks. Keep up-to-date on the following routine vaccinations to minimise health risks.


Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that causes an itchy, blister-like rash that initially appears on the chest, back, and face, and then spreads over the entire body.

Most individuals who received 2 doses of varicella vaccine will be protected from the virus for life. The first dose is usually administered from age 12 through 15 months, while the second dose is given from age 4 through 6 years old. In Australia, only one vaccine is given as per the National Immunisation Schedule, and this does not give as good immunity as two vaccines.

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Clinic Hours:

  • Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5pm
  • Saturday 8:30am – 2.30pm
  • Sunday 9:00am – 12.00pm
  • Public Holidays – Please call the centre for more information.

Email us: office@coolmedical.com.au

Find us at 91 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, QLD

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (dTpa)

dTpa vaccine protects individuals against these three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Diphtheria is a life-threatening bacterial infection that causes severe breathing difficulties, congestive heart failure, kidney and nerve damage, as well as other health problems depending on which nerves are affected. Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium found mostly in rusty tools like nails, barbed wires, and faeces of animals and humans. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a respiratory disease that causes persistent dry cough with a ‘whoop’ sound in between long, uncontrollable coughing fits.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) recommended that adolescents and adults over 10 should get one dose of the dTpa vaccine, then a booster dose of Td (tetanus and diphtheria) every 10 years to strengthen immunity. Women are also advised to get a dose of the dTpa vaccine during each pregnancy to minimise the risk of pertussis in infants. [1]

Flu (Influenza)

Influenza spreads easily between people through coughing or sneezing. Immunisation is the most effective way of preventing the disease. Studies suggest that the effectiveness of the flu vaccine decreases with each passing month. [2] Travellers should receive an influenza vaccination with the recommended Southern Hemisphere formulation, if available, to ensure maximum protection against influenza.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

The MMR vaccine prevents individuals from three serious viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles is a contagious airborne disease that causes rashes, fever, and a runny nose. Mumps is caused by a paramyxovirus, which affects the glands that produce saliva. Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection that can cause red rashes, swollen lymph glands behind the ears and neck, mild fever, and headache.

While the MMR vaccine usually provides lifetime protection against mumps, some individuals may have decreased immunity later in life. If you are at risk due to an outbreak, an additional dose may be required. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles and 88% effective against mumps.

Polio

Also called poliomyelitis, polio is a viral infection that primarily affects the nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. It can cause paralysis in certain limbs.

The CDC states that a complete series of immunisations can highly offer immunity for many years. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that adults at higher risk of exposure to polio get the inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine or an IPV-containing vaccine every 10 years. When going to countries with active polio cases, a lifetime booster may be recommended. [3]

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that spreads through respiratory droplets or airborne particles. Most people infected with the virus experience mild to moderate respiratory illness, with common symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, and nausea.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the Pfizer vaccine for people aged 16 to 59 and AstraZeneca for individuals aged 18 to 59. Here’s how long each vaccine’s effectiveness lasts: [4]

  • Moderna: about 6 months
  • Pfizer-BioNTech: about 6 months
  • Johnson & Johnson: about 8 months
  • Oxford-AstraZeneca: about 3 months
  • Novavax: about 6 months

Hepatitis A

Travellers who consume contaminated foods or drinks, particularly in locations with poor sanitation, can contract the hepatitis A virus. This causes inflammation of the liver, which can result in mild or severe illnesses.

Individuals who have completed a two-dose series of hepatitis A vaccines are estimated to be protected against the virus for at least 25 years (adults) and 14-20 years (children).

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B often doesn’t produce symptoms. However, it can sometimes cause jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, and nausea. This can be contracted from exposure to infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that babies should receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours after birth, followed by two or three doses at least four weeks apart. Booster shots are usually not required for individuals who have completed the three-dose vaccination series. The hepatitis B vaccine protects against the virus for at least 20 years.

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccine is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food or water. The virus caused by typhoid multiplies into the bloodstream, which can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

A single dose of injectable typhoid vaccine offers 3 years of protection for individuals aged 2 years and over. For mixed vaccines against both typhoid and hepatitis A, a single dose gives 3 years of protection for individuals aged 16 years and over.

Malaria

Malaria is a public health problem in several parts of India, with 95% of the population residing in malaria-endemic areas. [5] Depending on drug resistance and individual health considerations, your healthcare provider may advise a specific antimalarial medication. Several antimalarial medications are available for travellers, including chloroquine, mefloquine, doxycycline, and atovaquone-proguanil. Consult with one of our doctors to know which medications you can take for your travel.

Rabies

Rabies is endemic in India, with the country accounting for 36% of the rabies-caused deaths worldwide. About 30 to 60% of reported cases of rabies and deaths in India occur in children. [6]

If you’re travelling to an area with a high risk of exposure to potentially infected animals, you should receive 2-3  doses of rabies vaccine. The duration of protection the vaccine offers varies, but it usually lasts at least 1 or 2 years. Depending on your level of risk, you may be advised to receive a booster dose within 3 years to ensure maximum protection against the disease.

Potential Health Risks for India Travel

Apart from vaccine-preventable diseases, there are also potential health risks in India that travellers should be aware of:

Cholera

India has witnessed active cholera transmission in recent years, which is often traced back to faecal contamination of water sources. It is particularly common in areas with poor sanitation and is more prevalent in the hot, humid, and rainy seasons. Although reported cases of cholera among travellers are rare, it’s best to avoid consuming unsafe food and water, practise proper hygiene, and receive cholera vaccinations, especially if you’re travelling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is an infection in the small intestine caused by microscopic parasites, usually found in areas with poor sanitation and contaminated water, including swimming pools, wells, and whirlpool baths. It causes stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and watery diarrhoea.  If you’re travelling to areas with reported giardiasis cases, avoid swimming, drinking, or coming into contact with freshwater.

Mosquito-borne Diseases

In India, millions of cases of mosquito-borne diseases are reported each year, specifically from chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and lymphatic filariasis. CDC reported outbreaks of chikungunya in the states of Maharashtra and Telangana in India. Japanese encephalitis, on the other hand, usually has outbreaks during monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh witness two epidemics every year, from April to July and September to December.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), is a tropical disease that occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. This is usually acquired in childhood and results in “hidden” damage to the lymphatic system, which can eventually lead to permanent disability later in life.



Book Your Appointment For Travel Vaccinations

Ensure safe travels by scheduling your travel vaccinations for India weeks before your trip. At Coolangatta Medical Centre, our team is ready to guide you through the necessary vaccinations and immunisation schedules tailored to your health and travel plans. Book your appointment now and travel with confidence.

Our Travel Doctors

Our team of Travel Doctors in Gold Coast share their expertise in vaccinations required by law for entry to a country as well as the specific precautions needed and the vaccinations recommended for general protection against diseases. Always seek medical advice from travel doctors at least a month before your trip to learn more about the necessary vaccinations required before visiting your destination.



Related Medical Services We Offer:

At Coolangatta Medical Centre, we also offer many other specialised care for vaccinations and overall family health care to keep you and your loved ones healthy. Book your appointment to visit our clinic at Gold Coast.

To see more of our other medical services, click here.

Payment Methods:

Full fee upfront is payable on the day of your appointment and will be processed with a credit/debit card token provided at the time of booking.

Medicare rebate is processed for you on your behalf by the administration team and will go back into the account that you have nominated with Medicare within 24 to 48 hours. For more information about Medicare rebates, see our FAQs page.

Out of pocket fee is the amount of money that you will be out of pocket after Medicare has processed your rebate.

Areas We Serve

Coolangatta Medical Centre services many local communities on the Gold Coast as well as Northern NSW. If you live in or nearby the following suburbs, Coolangatta Medical Centre is easily visited from the location:

  • Tweed Heads
  • Tweed Heads South
  • Tweed Heads West
  • Bilinga
  • Cobaki Lakes
  • Tugun

Frequently Asked Questions

Mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent in India, so take extra precautions especially when you’re visiting rural destinations or areas with history of outbreaks. 

Drink only bottled or filtered water and avoid raw or undercooked food. Practise good hygiene by washing your hands regularly or using hand sanitiser, especially before eating. If your itinerary includes a lot of outdoor activities, it’s best to use insect repellant to protect yourself against mosquito-borne diseases. Lastly, stay up to date on recommended vaccinations for tourists in India to ensure maximum protection.

There are no strict vaccination guidelines for entry into India, but certain vaccines are recommended based on your health and travel plans. Routine vaccines such as MMR, dTpa, and COVID-19 should be up to date. Additionally, you may want to consider these vaccinations if you haven’t been immunised yet:

  • Chickenpox: 2 doses
  • Influenza: 1 dose annually, preferably before the onset of the flu season
  • Hepatitis A: 2 doses
  • Hepatitis B: 3 doses
  • Typhoid: 1 dose
  • Rabies: 2-3 shots
  • Japanese Encephalitis: 2 doses

Here are some medicines you can pack into your bag before travelling to India:

  • Your prescriptions
  • Altitude sickness medicine
  • Medicine to prevent malaria
  • Antacid
  • Diarrhoea medicine
  • Antihistamine
  • Motion sickness medicine
  • Cough drops
  • Cough suppression/expectorant
  • Medicine for pain and fever
  • Decongestant
  • Saline nose spray

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OPEN SEVEN DAYS
Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5pm
Saturday 8:30am – 1pm
Sunday 9am – 12pm

PH: (07) 5599 1400
EM: office@coolmedical.com.au
91 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, QLD

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