✅ Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever — Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Polio vaccination certificate may be required depending on origin.

Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Polio vaccination certificate may be required depending on origin.

💉 Recommended Vaccinations

JE recommended for travel to rural areas during and after monsoon season (May-Oct). Rabies is a serious risk — stray dogs are extremely common. Cholera vaccine recommended for travel to affected areas. Meningococcal recommended for travel to northern India, especially Delhi.

Hepatitis A
2 doses (0, 6-12 months)
$60–$80
Hepatitis B
3 doses (0, 1, 6 months)
$50–$70
Typhoid
1 injection or 3 oral capsules
$50–$70
Japanese Encephalitis
2 doses (0, 28 days)
$300–$400
Rabies (pre-exposure)
2-3 doses over 3-4 weeks
$300–$400
Cholera
2 oral doses (1-6 weeks apart)
$70–$100
Polio (booster)
1 booster if not given since childhood
$40–$60
$60–$100

🦟 Malaria Risk

MODERATE RISK

Risk areas: Throughout the country below 2000m, including urban areas. Higher risk in eastern and northeastern states (Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, northeast states). Lower risk in cities like Delhi, Mumbai.

Prophylaxis: Recommended for most travel, especially outside major cities and during/after monsoon season.

Read our malaria prevention guide →

🏥 Other Health Risks

  • ⚡ Dengue fever is widespread and increasing
  • ⚡ Travellers' diarrhoea is extremely common — strict food and water hygiene essential
  • ⚡ Air pollution is severe in northern cities, especially Delhi (Oct-Feb)
  • ⚡ Altitude sickness risk in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim
Dengue Fever

📋 India Health Snapshot

Recent health-event context: India had a Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala in 2018 (and again sporadically since) and runs the world's largest immunisation programme by volume — Universal Immunisation Programme delivers around 27 million birth doses annually.

Medical infrastructure: Major private chains (Apollo, Fortis, Max, Medanta) operate international-standard hospitals in metros, with significantly lower prices than Western care. Smaller cities and rural areas have limited capacity.

Medical evacuation: In-country to Mumbai, Delhi, or Chennai handles most cases; international transfer to Singapore or Bangkok is used for highly specialised tertiary care.

🌤️ Seasonal Health in India

India's seasons vary radically by region — the southwest monsoon (June–September) drives dengue, malaria, leptospirosis, and waterborne disease peaks across most of the country, with Mumbai, Kerala, and the northeast hardest hit. October–March is the cool, dry, peak-travel window. Pre-monsoon (April–May) is hottest, especially in the Indo-Gangetic plain. Air quality in northern cities (Delhi, Lucknow) is severe November–February.

🍽️ Food & Water Safety in India

Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in India — including five-star hotels, where bottled water is the norm. Avoid ice unless from a hotel known to use filtered water. Street food in busy locations (Old Delhi's chaat stalls, Mumbai's bhel puri vendors) can be safe but vegetable salads, raw chutneys, and lassi from open vats carry significant risk.

🩺 Post-Trip: Symptoms to Watch For

If you experience any of the following symptoms after returning from India, seek medical attention promptly and mention your travel history:

  • ⚠️ Fever (could indicate malaria, dengue, typhoid, or other tropical infection — seek medical attention urgently)
  • ⚠️ Persistent diarrhoea lasting more than 3 days after return
  • ⚠️ Skin rash, particularly if accompanied by fever or joint pain
  • ⚠️ Unexplained fatigue, weight loss, or night sweats
  • ⚠️ Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes — possible hepatitis)
  • ⚠️ Respiratory symptoms that worsen after return

Symptoms of some tropical diseases can appear weeks or months after exposure. Always tell your doctor where you have travelled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need vaccinations for India?

While vaccinations may not be legally required for entry from Australia, several are strongly recommended for India. These include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis and 4 more. The specific vaccines you need depend on your itinerary, planned activities, and medical history. Consult your GP or travel clinic for personalised advice.

Do I need malaria tablets for India?

Malaria risk in India is classified as moderate. Throughout the country below 2000m, including urban areas. Higher risk in eastern and northeastern states (Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, northeast states). Lower risk in cities like Delhi, Mumbai. Recommended for most travel, especially outside major cities and during/after monsoon season.

How much do travel vaccinations for India cost in Australia?

The estimated total cost of recommended vaccinations for India is $250–$550 at an Australian travel clinic, not including the consultation fee (typically $50–$80). Most travel vaccines are not covered by Medicare. Costs may be lower if your routine vaccinations are already up to date.

How far in advance should I get vaccinated for India?

Book your travel health appointment at least 8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks. Some Japanese Encephalitis vaccines require multiple doses; your clinic will choose the product and schedule appropriate for your age, timing and risk profile. Even if travelling sooner, a clinic visit is still worthwhile — some vaccines provide rapid protection.

Is the tap water safe to drink in India?

Tap water in many parts of India is not considered safe for travellers. Use sealed bottled water, boiled water, or a reliable purifier in most areas, and be cautious with ice in drinks, raw salads, and uncooked food from street vendors. Confirm with your travel clinic for the specific cities/regions on your itinerary.

Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for India?

Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Polio vaccination certificate may be required depending on origin. If travelling directly from Australia, a certificate is not required. If your itinerary includes a stop in a Yellow Fever endemic country in Africa or South America, you may need one. Yellow Fever vaccination is only available at approved centres in Australia.

What is the biggest health risk in India?

Key health considerations for India include: Dengue fever is widespread and increasing. Travellers' diarrhoea is extremely common — strict food and water hygiene essential. Always consult a travel health professional for advice specific to your itinerary and medical history.

Where can I get travel vaccinations for India in Australia?

Travel vaccinations are available at dedicated travel clinics (such as Travel Doctor TMVC and Travelvax), many GP practices, and some pharmacies. For Yellow Fever vaccination, you must visit an approved centre. Book at least 8 weeks before departure.

Sources & References

  1. Smartraveller — India travel advice (Australian Government, DFAT)
  2. Australian Immunisation Handbook — Travel chapter (ATAGI)
  3. WHO International Travel and Health
Medical Disclaimer: General health information only. Always consult a travel health professional for advice specific to your trip, medical history, and destination.

Last updated: May 2026