Discover what protection you need for your incredible Indian adventure
Ready to get properly protected for your India adventure?
Book Your ConsultationPlanning a trip to India? You’re probably excited about Mumbai street food, Goa beaches, or finally meeting the Delhi relatives. Then you start reading about hepatitis A and typhoid, wondering if every meal is going to be a gamble.
The truth is, India’s food and water risks are real but manageable. With India reporting 40% of the world’s typhoid cases and hepatitis A everywhere, getting the right protection means you can enjoy that street food without constantly worrying.
Coxheath Pharmacy has been helping Kent families prepare for India travel for years. We understand the difference between a business trip to Bangalore and backpacking through Rajasthan. More importantly, we know which vaccines you actually need versus the ones travel websites try to scare you into.
We’re at 97 Heath Road in Coxheath, easily accessible from Maidstone, Ashford, and across Kent. Whether you’re visiting family in Punjab or exploring Kerala’s temples, we’ll get you properly protected for the subcontinent without the overwhelm.
According to NHS Fit for Travel, courses or boosters usually advised for India include Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Other vaccines to consider include Hepatitis B and Rabies, with Japanese Encephalitis and Cholera selectively advised for those at highest risk.
Coxheath Pharmacy is led by Mandeep Sandhu, our Superintendent Pharmacist. We see everyone from gap year backpackers heading to Goa, families visiting relatives in Punjab, and business travellers flying into Bangalore every week. We understand the difference.
What we do differently:
Not everyone needs every vaccine, but some are strongly recommended for India travel.
According to the WHO, India maintains endemic transmission of hepatitis A across most regions. That street food you're excited about? That's your risk right there. Even luxury hotels aren't immune as contaminated water affects ice, salads, and fruit. One jab protects for a year, booster after 6 to 12 months covers you for life.
India reports approximately 40% of the world's typhoid cases according to WHO data. The injection protects for 3 years. Essentially whether you're staying in five star hotels or budget guesthouses as typhoid doesn't discriminate by price point.
Your childhood boosters might be out of date. Tetanus boosters are recommended where correct treatment of injuries may not be readily available. Cut your foot on a temple step? Graze from a rickshaw accident? You'll want this protection.
Selectively advised vaccines only for those individuals at highest risk. Essential for:
Consider if:
Urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal bite, scratch or lick to broken skin, or bat bite, even after receiving pre-travel rabies vaccine. Essential for:
The Government of India has strict and carefully defined country entry requirements for proof of vaccination against yellow fever from travelers ≥9 months old arriving from areas with risk of yellow fever virus transmission. Only required if arriving from Africa/South America.
Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk. Rarely needed unless working in relief/aid situations or visiting refugee areas.
According to the latest 2024 data, India has made significant progress in malaria control. In 2022, 83 people died due to malaria across India – a dramatic decrease from 562 deaths in 2014. The incidence decreased from 3.63 to 2.55 per 1000 of the population at risk between 2021-2022.
However, malaria remains a risk throughout most of India. According to CDC data, malaria transmission occurs in all areas except parts of states at altitudes >2,000m (6,561 ft): none in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir; parts of states of Assam, West Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Sikkim. Both Plasmodium vivax (43%) and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (57.3%) are present, including in major cities like Mumbai and New Delhi.
We stock all major antimalarials and will recommend based on your specific itinerary:
According to National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme data, malaria burden is concentrated among specific populations – 80% of the disease burden is found in 20% of the population classified as “high risk.” The highest incidence rates in 2019 were in Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, and Tripura.
Current travel health data shows:
Understanding timing is crucial for proper protection and travel convenience.
Perfect timing for:
This is when most people remember vaccines exist:
Flying to India next week and vaccines weren’t sorted? Don’t panic:
Two weeks until departure and vaccines weren’t sorted? We can help.
The golden rule: “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it”
What we recommend packing:
James: “Tanya, the pharmacist, was excellent. Really informative and patient. Very helpful with explaining the vaccinations my children and I need for our holiday.”
Essential vaccines include Hepatitis A (£50), Typhoid (£50), and up-to-date Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio. Depending on your plans, consider Japanese Encephalitis (£110), Hepatitis B (£50), or Rabies (£85). We’ll assess your specific needs based on your India itinerary.
Yes, malaria risk exists throughout most of India except high-altitude areas. Both P. vivax and chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum are present, including in Mumbai and Delhi. We provide expert advice on which antimalarials suit your itinerary.
Our prices: Hepatitis A £50, Typhoid £50, Japanese Encephalitis £110, Hepatitis B £50, Rabies £85, DTP £50. Malaria tablets from £0.80-£5.00 per tablet. No hidden consultation fees – prices include expert travel health advice.
Ideally 6-8 weeks before travel, but we regularly help people with 2 weeks to go. Hepatitis A provides 95% protection within 2 weeks, Typhoid within 7-10 days. Some protection is always better than none.
Yes, we offer same-day appointments when available. We keep common India vaccines in stock. Book here or call 01622 745567.
Depends where you’re going. Essential for rural areas, especially during monsoon season, extended stays, or outdoor activities. Not usually needed for city hotels and standard tourist circuits. We’ll advise based on your itinerary.
Children need the same travel vaccines as adults, adjusted for age/weight. We regularly vaccinate families together. Consider rabies vaccine as children are more likely to approach stray animals.
Absolutely. We cover malaria prevention, mosquito protection, food safety, what to pack in your medical kit, and India-specific health risks. It’s all part of our comprehensive travel vaccination service.
Last year, we helped hundreds of Kent residents travel to India safely. From gap year students heading to Goa to business professionals working in Bangalore, families visiting Punjab to retirees exploring Kerala – we’ve seen it all.
Don’t let preventable diseases ruin your incredible Indian experience. Whether you’re leaving in 8 weeks or 8 days, we’ll sort out your India travel jabs properly.
Even if you’re flying next week, call us. We’ll work out what protection we can give you. Because some protection is always better than hoping for the best.
Free parking available. Easy access from across Kent.
References:
Company Registered In: UK | Company Reg Number: 09741325 | GPhC Premises Reg Number: 1032829| Superintendent/Clinical Lead: Mandeep Sandhu Copyright © 2025, Coxheath Pharmacy. All Rights Reserved. Pharmacy Regulation
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