India - Vaccinations?

[Pulse]

Hoping some people can advise... I'm planning to travel to India (and probably Sri Lanka) in February (Chennai and surrounding, Pudacherry, Kerala, etc.), and I'm wondering what vaccinations I need to get, and also whether I can just schedule a doctor's appointment to get them done, or I need to go elsewhere. Also if there are any time restrictions on getting them done, given I'm travelling reasonably soon.

Any advice appreciated!

[Pulse]

Thanks chaps. I have an appointment with the travel nurse at my surgery, but not until 22nd December!

I plan to travel 8th Feb - will that allow me enough time? Nurse on the phone seemed to think that'd be plenty, and also that everything required would be covered by the NHS. Is that correct?

It looks like I'll need:

- Diphtheria
- Hepatitis A
- Tetanus
- Typhoid

And will need to 'consider':

- Cholera
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Rabies
- Yellow Fever

[Pulse]

StevieBee said:

The NHS travel nurse is your best bet. Plus, they have access to knowledge on latest strands of viruses and the correct vaccination.

Unless you intend traipsing through jungles and swamps, it's unlikely you'll need all of the above. The less common ones you'll also need to pay a lot for; Yellow Fever is a round £60 a pop. The NHS will advise what you need. Many private clinics will sell you everything if you ask for it.

The lead time on most of them is usually around 10 days before they take effect so you should have plenty of time....but take medical advice on this.

There's a thread I started on Malaria tablets which should be on the next page or thereabouts. Have a read through that but the headline from that is that if you are advised to take them, take them.

Have a good trip!

Trouble is, I am concerned that I can't see the nurse until 22nd December, and I would like to book in the next couple of days (for February). I don't want to book and then (for whatever reason) realise I can't go and lose a fair amount of cash.

From doing a bit more reading, it looks like I'd mostly/only need the free vaccinations with the NHS, so that's one aspect covered I think. It's purely to make sure I am safe, and that I can book now without concern.

[Pulse]

Thanks all.

I am booked to speak to the nurse (hopefully!) tomorrow afternoon. I am hopeful that I have enough time before 8th (now 9th) of February.

Anyway, I will not be travelling to anywhere too dangerous. On my itinerary is (in order): Chennai, Puducherry, Yercaud, Ooty, Mysuru, Bangalore, Nandi Hills, Tirupati, Chennai.

[Pulse]

Thanks. I spoke to the nurse, and she said it'd be all of that, plus Hep B (the only one not free on the NHS).

I'm just waiting for some final arrangements, and hoping to book shortly!