India: which vaccines to travel?
The vaccines usually advised for India when departing from Belgium, with the lead times to respect — based on the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM).
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Yellow fever required if arriving from an endemic country Malaria: high risk depending on the region
Recommended
Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTPa)keep the booster current (every 10 years)
Poliobooster for 16+ to Asia/Africa; sometimes compulsory (long stays)
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)be up to date (2 doses) before departure
Hepatitis Aas early as possible (1st dose already protective)
Consider depending on the trip
Typhoid fever≥14 days before departure
Rabiespre-exposure: 2 doses, start early enough
Hepatitis Bstart early (multi-week schedule)
Japanese encephalitis2 doses to complete before departure (long rural stays)
Source
Institute of Tropical Medicine (Wanda) ↗
Last updated: August 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine required for India?
No vaccine is required if you arrive directly from Belgium. Yellow fever is only asked for if you come from (or transit through) a country where it circulates.
Is there a malaria risk?
Malaria: high risk depending on the region. Prescription chemoprophylaxis and bite protection are generally advised; malaria is not prevented by a vaccine.
How far ahead of departure should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.