Vaccine choices depend on the specific countries and areas you will visit, activities, length of stay and vaccination records. Use the topics below to prepare for an individual assessment; travellers to South Asia do not all need the same vaccines.
First, make sure your routine vaccines are up to date
Review your routine vaccination records with your clinician, including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio.
Travel vaccines to discuss for your itinerary
- Hepatitis A and typhoid: food- and water-borne disease risk is higher in South Asia, so these are commonly recommended.
- Rabies: South Asia has many stray dogs and a real rabies risk. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll have animal contact, visit remote areas with limited medical access, or travel for a long time.
- Japanese encephalitis: some rural areas carry a risk; recommended for long stays or heavy outdoor activity in the transmission season.
- Hepatitis B: depending on length of stay and personal risk.
Check polio vaccination and proof requirements
Some countries have additional vaccination or proof requirements for travellers arriving from or going to polio-risk areas. Confirm the current rules with a Travel Health Centre before departure.
Malaria prevention
THS malaria guidance covers mosquito-bite precautions and preventive medicines for relevant travel. A clinician should assess whether medication is appropriate for your specific route and health.
Before travel: book a travel health consultation
THS centre information recommends booking a travel health consultation at least eight weeks before travel. Bring your specific itinerary and vaccination records so a clinician can assess the appropriate arrangements. If departure is soon, enquire promptly; booking advice is not a guarantee of protection by departure.
Related travel guides
For planning and official sources, see travel consultation preparation and Travel Essentials.