beachik

I have been working on getting the vaccines needed to travel to India. I am quite surprised how many are needed ! They are very expensive. Are they really necessary? I went to a passport health center and was told basically everything I needed would cost approximately $800.00 !! There was Hepatitis A&B, Menningitis, Typhoid, DPT, MMR , Flu shot, Japanese Encephalitis and a prescription for malaria pills--so this is what I did which saved me some money, I got the Hepatitis A, Menningitis and Typhoid at the travel center, I called the local health department and found out that you can get DPT and MM&R for a $5.00 donation. Than I called my health insurance company and found out that Hepatitis B is covered so I can get that thru my regular doctor at no charge, so just a note of warning.....before getting all these expensive vaccines from a travel center, check with your local health departments, your health insurance company and regular doctor, it might save you some money, I saved a good deal of money in doing this. I still didn't get the Japanese Ehcephalitis one, that is $110 per shot and they said you need a series of 3? (I think its transmitted thru mosquitos??) so if I make sure I'm layered with insect repellent Deet 30% will that be enough? Anyone going to India out there, are you getting this shot? What's your thoughts? My friend, who I am visiting was stunned I needed all these vaccines, he said you're not going to the Amazon !! I am getting them anyway, just to be safe, except maybe not the Japanese E. one. Still undecided.....

peg

This link might help you to decide about Japanese Encephalitis

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm

michi

I have just had shots of tetnus and Hep A for a two week travel to China. The Travel doctor considered where we were going and saw this as sufficient. But we all know that anything can happen.

The brochure on Malaysia eight years ago stated no precautions necessary, however my husband, who is popular with mosquitos, came home with dengue fever. If there's a warning in the country you are going to, then I'd get the shot(s). Only too late did we learn there was a world-wide epidemic of dengue fever (similar to malaria but not as bad in most cases; but it can also kill you).

rhkkmk

our health insurance covers us 100% for all of these shots at the travel clinic at a major boston hospital where we go for treatment....best start with your own doctor and go from there it seems to me...

jason888

Check the CDC website, the Center for Disease Control, and look up the country you will be travelling to.

This is the best starting point.

beachik: you didn't mention tetanus - make sure you get that as well.

And yes, you should get the Japanese e. shot. Think of it this way: what would be the cost if you contracted Japanese e. while in India?

For India: You should take as many precautions as possible. Even with maximum level of precaution, you might still catch something.

Make sure you have Imodium in your medical kit. Also some Listerine, which can double as an antiseptic (not just any mouthwash). Also anti-bacterial cream.

Do not drink anything that has ice in it and preferably only if it has been boiled, which may sometimes mean drinking hot hot tea.

Do brush your teeth only with bottled water, even in the best of hotels.

Do not open your mouth in the shower.

Don't lick your fingers . One thing I carry with me all the time while in India are individual packages of moist towellettes.

Don't eat anything raw.

Be very, very careful. You can't be too careful.

Otherwise, enjoy your trip!