VACCINES
Visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
CHECK & KEEP YOUR REGULAR VACCINES CURRENT:
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis
varicella (chickenpox)
polio vaccine
yearly flu shot
OTHER VACCINES TO GET:
Hepatitis A: Recommended by the CDC as this is transmitted via contaminated food/water. This vaccine lasts up to 25yrs.
Typhoid: Also transmitted via contaminated food/water. Especially recommended for those staying with friends/family, visiting smaller cities/rural areas, or if you are an "adventurous eater." This vaccine is good for about 1.5yrs.
*India requires yellow fever vaccine (and paperwork to prove it) IF you are coming from an infected area (NOT the US or Australia). If you are traveling beforehand, especially to South or Central America or Africa, you may need this.
OTHERS VACCINES TO CONSIDER:
Hepatits B: "There is an intermediate risk for hep B in India." Most/all US healthcare workers will already have received this vaccine. Hep B is spread via bodily fluids (ie. sexual activity, drug use, being in an accident, during medical care). Immunity provided is considered life-long.
Japanese Enchephalitis: "India is a high-risk area for this viral disease. It is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. The disease is potentially fatal. People who will be staying in rural farming areas are at the highest risk." It is unclear how long the vaccine is effective; at least 1yr.
Rabies: some sites recommend rabies vaccines if you will spend significant time outdoors. This vaccine is VERY expensive.
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MALARIA
Malaria is spread via mosquito bites (like Japanese Encephalitis above). There is no vaccine for Malaria, but there are medications one can take to decreased the risk of transmission. One of the side effects of these medications is SUN SENSITIVITY (use sunscreen!). There are different strains of malaria, resulting in different meds for prophylaxis (your doctor may need the info below to prescribe the correct medication if you choose to take this medication). Prevention is particularly important for pregnant women. If you choose not to take anti-malaria meds, try to prevent mosquito bites.
(from the CDC website):
Estimated relative risk of malaria for US travelers: Moderate.
Drug resistance4: Chloroquine.
Malaria species: P. vivax 50%, P. falciparum >40%, P. malariae and P. ovale rare.
Recommended chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Hepatits B: "There is an intermediate risk for hep B in India." Most/all US healthcare workers will already have received this vaccine. Hep B is spread via bodily fluids (ie. sexual activity, drug use, being in an accident, during medical care). Immunity provided is considered life-long.
Japanese Enchephalitis: "India is a high-risk area for this viral disease. It is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. The disease is potentially fatal. People who will be staying in rural farming areas are at the highest risk." It is unclear how long the vaccine is effective; at least 1yr.
Rabies: some sites recommend rabies vaccines if you will spend significant time outdoors. This vaccine is VERY expensive.
****************************************************************************
MALARIA
Malaria is spread via mosquito bites (like Japanese Encephalitis above). There is no vaccine for Malaria, but there are medications one can take to decreased the risk of transmission. One of the side effects of these medications is SUN SENSITIVITY (use sunscreen!). There are different strains of malaria, resulting in different meds for prophylaxis (your doctor may need the info below to prescribe the correct medication if you choose to take this medication). Prevention is particularly important for pregnant women. If you choose not to take anti-malaria meds, try to prevent mosquito bites.
(from the CDC website):
Estimated relative risk of malaria for US travelers: Moderate.
Drug resistance4: Chloroquine.
Malaria species: P. vivax 50%, P. falciparum >40%, P. malariae and P. ovale rare.
Recommended chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
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