India Travel Vaccines & Health Tips from Singapore Doctors
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Travel smart in India with vaccine advice, essential health tips, and screening recommendations from Regis Medical Singapore GP Doctors.
Why Singaporeans Love Visiting India
From the palaces of Rajasthan to the backwaters of Kerala, India is a destination rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're chasing tigers in a national park, soaking in the spirituality of Varanasi, or enjoying a wellness retreat in the Himalayas — India offers a deeply immersive experience for all kinds of travellers. In 2023, more than 110,000 Singaporeans visited India, according to the Indian Ministry of Tourism. Travel to India is popular among both Indian-origin Singaporeans visiting family and adventure seekers exploring new regions.
Best time to go: October–March (cooler months and major festivals)
Popular Cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jaipur, Kochi, Chennai
Popular for: Cultural tourism, yoga and wellness retreats, food adventures, historical sites, nature treks
India is visa-friendly for Singaporeans (with easy e-visa application), has extensive domestic flight connections, and offers everything from luxury escapes to budget backpacking options.
Vaccines to Consider Before Going to India
Recommended Vaccines for India:
- Influenza Vaccine – Recommended year-round due to crowd exposure
- Hepatitis A – For seasonal protection, especially if travelling during flu season or in crowded public places.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine - For long stays or potential medical exposure.
- Japanese Encephalitis – If visiting rural or rice-growing areas for extended periods (e.g. Odisha, Assam).
- Pneumococcal – For travellers age 65+ or those with chronic conditions.
- Typhoid – Recommended for travellers eating at local food stalls or in less sanitary conditions.
- Rabies – For extended rural stays, animal exposure, or volunteering with animals.
- Cholera – Cholera is endemic in India, with outbreaks occurring seasonally, particularly during monsoon and pre-monsoon periods.
Routine Vaccines when travelling:
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before travelling to India.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTAP)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles Vaccine
*For the latest and complete list of required or recommended vaccines for specific parts of Vietnam, please refer to official sources such as MOH, WHO, or CDC.
| Vaccine | Price | Recommended Dosage |
| Hepatitis A | $88 | 2 doses, 6 months apart First dose at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Hepatitis B | $45 | 3 doses: at 0, 1, and 6 months Booster: at least 2 weeks before travel if previously vaccinated |
| Influenza Vaccine | $45 | 1 dose annually Take at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Pneumococcal (Prevenar 20) | $250 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Typhoid | $39 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
Our doctor may recommend a serology (antibody) test to check your immunity levels. In some cases, a booster dose may suffice.
Prices are listed in SGD for 1 dose only and exclude GST. Mandatory consultation and administration charges apply.
*Prices last updated on 1 July 2024. Subject to change.
Pre-Travel Health Screening & Advice
Who should screen?
- Elderly
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Those going on long-term trips, volunteer work, or yoga retreats
Suggested tests:
- Hepatitis A/B immunity check
- General health review if staying long-term or doing outdoor activities
- Glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure monitoring (especially for older travellers)
- Malaria risk assessment (depending on destination)
Pack These: Emergency Medications & Health Kit
For India’s climate and environment, we recommend packing:
- Oral rehydration salts
- Anti-diarrhoea meds (loperamide, charcoal pills)
- Mosquito repellent (DEET-based)
- Antihistamines (for bites or allergies)
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Motion sickness meds (for train or mountain travel)
- Antiseptic wipes and plasters
- Sunscreen and hand sanitiser
- Water purification tablets or portable filter (optional but useful for remote travel)
While You’re There: Protecting Your Health
Drink only bottled or filtered water — avoid ice or tap water, even for brushing teeth in some areas
Eat food hot and fresh — stick to busy stalls or restaurants with high turnover
Use insect repellent — especially in rural or coastal areas prone to mosquito-borne diseases
Practice sun protection — India’s UV index can be high year-round
Avoid stray animals — even a small scratch or lick can pose rabies risk
After You Return: Post-Travel Watchlist
Be alert for:
- Fever, fatigue, or stomach upset within 7–10 days of return
- Skin rashes or unusual bites
- If symptoms occur, consult a GP — particularly if you had street food often or you visited rural areas.
At Regis Medical, we offer rapid tests for flu, and gastrointestinal infections at our clinic.
Travel Health Checklist
✅ Vaccines completed
✅ Meds packed
✅ Travel insurance arranged
✅ Emergency contact card in bag
✅ Nearest hospital of your destination bookmarked
Planning a trip to India?
Visit Regis Medical for a Pre-Travel Vaccines and Health Consult — personalised for your destination, itinerary, and health needs.
