Vaccinations

ddevadatta · Dec 23rd, 2006, 17:35

I am leaving for India on Jan 13th and returning Feb 6th. Business trip to Delhi but also will be seeing family in Bangalore. I may be able to take a day trip to Madras to see ole schoolmates.

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone would advice what vaccinations I would need for this time of the year and how far in advance would I need it.

SteamBuff · Dec 23rd, 2006, 19:35

You have left it a bit late !!!!!

The best thing you can do is speak to your Doctor or local travel Clinic.

but in general the following are deemed to be needed -

Hepatitis A & B, Polio, Tetnus and Typhoid.

The following may be recommended depending on what you plan to do and exactly where you go.

Meningitis, Rabies and Maleria Tablets.

It also depends what you have had in the past.

Regards

Dave

camelgirl · Dec 23rd, 2006, 22:38

Basically, I agree with Steam Buff.

Sounds like you were born & raised in India, or at least lived there for quite a long time. You need to know what you already have immunizations for. You may need boosters for Polio & other things you may already have gotten. Talk to a doctor who specializes in Travel Medicine. Your regular MD won't be up-to-date on vaccines travelers need.

Bring lots of Deet bug repellant. We like the low dose Sawyer which releases slowly so less gets absorbed by the body.

It seems like you've left it for too late for some vaccines anyway. Pre-exposure rabies is very important (since 25,000+ people die of rabies in India every year, the most in the entire world) but needs three shots over a period of weeks. Just try not to go near dogs (hard in India as they are everywhere).

Also, sounds like you will be mainly in cities, so probably not too much to worry about. Enjoy your trip and hope you can find some old friends!

SANJAY_DEL · Dec 23rd, 2006, 23:22

Get Oral typhoid capsules,
shots for Influenza, Tetanus, hepatitis A and B,
anti-malarials,
Japanese B encephalitis, anti-rabies vaccine (pre-exposure).
Consider BCG if you have never been exposed to tuberculosis.

Nick-H · Dec 24th, 2006, 00:13

I suspect that more people die of snake bites in India than rabies.

It's usually recommended for those who plan to work with animals, or to spend their time in remote areas. Like you say, Camelgirl... not too much of a worry in the cities.

Unless there are a lot of monkeys about, I guess. they carry it too.

Thankfully we don't have any in Chennai...

Or snakes.

Noodle · Dec 24th, 2006, 01:04

Nobody's mentioning cholera? Is it not necessary anymore?

Any what about diphterie?

machadinha · Dec 24th, 2006, 01:09

I think the cholera vaccination program has been dropped long ago internationally for most destinations because of its low effectiveness and possible side-effects. For those destinations where it's still officially required, I guess a vaccination will still be given. India is not one of those I believe. Maybe check if there's been a recent outbreak where you're going, your (travel) health clinic should know about this.

Diphtheria does fall under the standard vaccinations I think, usually part of a combined vaccination covering it and tetanus and polio or pertussis (DTP shot), depending on where you get vaccinated. The vaccin works for years I think so Dev may already have it.

As noted, speaking to your doctor or health clinic, preferably specialized in (tropical) travel, would be my preferred way of going. The earlier you can start enquiring about this the better, although save for some special requirements it shouldn't take a lot of time (and is not a big deal). Some shots will require a booster with a given interval so you'd want the time for that, or finish the course in India if you must.

Wanderer22 · Dec 24th, 2006, 03:54

Another product that's available is an oral vaccine called Dukoral.
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/2325ce.htm
It gives some protection from travellers' diarrhea and cholera, but is NOT 100% effective.

Hepatitis A vaccination is one that I think it's very important to get. Hep A is quite infectious and easily passed via fecal contamination.

W22

camelgirl · Dec 24th, 2006, 04:16

Not an expert Nick, but there is a big difference between rabies, which is 100% fatal if not treated, and it can be treated, and snake bite, often fatal and not much you can do about it. Also, the deaths from rabies almost completely from dogs, which are ubiquitous in India, rarely but occasionally from monkeys or bats (though any warm blooded animal can get it). Interesting article, though a few years old, not out of date at all, unfortunately-- http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/m...0600860300.htm

An article about snakebites is very disturbing (though I've never seen a snake except in a snake charmers basket!)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/a...ow/1803026.cms

It just happens that on our recent India trip my husband got very interested in this subject (rabies in India) and is looking into doing some volunteer work connected with it in the near future. Which is why I'm acting like such a know-it-all

We got our pre-exposure rabies vaccine a few years ago. It still doesn't save you from the disease, it just gives you more time to get treatment and you get 3 less painful shots, as opposed to the 5 painful shots that you need very, very quickly, if exposed to rabies--all vaccines readily available in India.

Nick-H · Dec 24th, 2006, 11:19

It was a flippant comparison on my part.

Whereas I've never seen it recommended except in special circumstances, I bow to your greater research and experience.

I'm not one to talk, really anyway. I made a big thing of getting everything for my first trip, ten years ago, then just forgot it.

Whenever I read a thread like this it reminds me that I ought to go see the doctor and get things up to date...

Noodle · Dec 24th, 2006, 13:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by camelgirl

We got our pre-exposure rabies vaccine a few years ago. It still doesn't save you from the disease, it just gives you more time to get treatment and you get 3 less painful shots, as opposed to the 5 painful shots that you need very, very quickly, if exposed to rabies--all vaccines readily available in India.

I took 5 Rabipur injections two years ago after been bitten by a bat. They were not painful.

Question: my doctor then told me that these rabies injections will protect me a lifetime, and I would only need a booster if I'd be bitten somewhere around the head, or had a very large wound. Is that true?

Quote:

Whenever I read a thread like this it reminds me that I ought to go see the doctor and get things up to date...

Me too! Just had a look at my vaccination booklet - all except Tetanus are overdue!

SteamBuff · Dec 24th, 2006, 17:17

You need a Rabies booster (1 shot) every 2-3 years according to my travel clinic.

Noodle · Dec 24th, 2006, 17:50

Ok, thanks, I will ask him about it when I go for the other vaccinations.

ddevadatta · Dec 24th, 2006, 18:10

Thanks you all for all your fine recommendations. Yes I am late. Made a quick decision to travel. Yes, I was born and raised in India and immigrated to the USA 25 years ago. Yes I have some basic vaccinations and no I don't have any booster shots.

So looks like I go unprepared medically speaking and will roll the dice.

I heard that if you bite back a monkey after it is bitten you you will not get rabbies....

Nick-H · Dec 24th, 2006, 22:30

That's just rubbish!

You have to bite the monkey, it's father, mother and three of its children....

Dec 23rd, 2006, 17:35	#1
ddevadatta Finger Licking Good Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 907	Vaccinations I am leaving for India on Jan 13th and returning Feb 6th. Business trip to Delhi but also will be seeing family in Bangalore. I may be able to take a day trip to Madras to see ole schoolmates. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone would advice what vaccinations I would need for this time of the year and how far in advance would I need it. __________________ Ayurvedic cure for an Indian headache

Dec 24th, 2006, 00:13	#5
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,831	I suspect that more people die of snake bites in India than rabies. It's usually recommended for those who plan to work with animals, or to spend their time in remote areas. Like you say, Camelgirl... not too much of a worry in the cities. Unless there are a lot of monkeys about, I guess. they carry it too. Thankfully we don't have any in Chennai... Or snakes. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Dec 24th, 2006, 01:09	#7
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,149	I think the cholera vaccination program has been dropped long ago internationally for most destinations because of its low effectiveness and possible side-effects. For those destinations where it's still officially required, I guess a vaccination will still be given. India is not one of those I believe. Maybe check if there's been a recent outbreak where you're going, your (travel) health clinic should know about this. Diphtheria does fall under the standard vaccinations I think, usually part of a combined vaccination covering it and tetanus and polio or pertussis (DTP shot), depending on where you get vaccinated. The vaccin works for years I think so Dev may already have it. As noted, speaking to your doctor or health clinic, preferably specialized in (tropical) travel, would be my preferred way of going. The earlier you can start enquiring about this the better, although save for some special requirements it shouldn't take a lot of time (and is not a big deal). Some shots will require a booster with a given interval so you'd want the time for that, or finish the course in India if you must. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Dec 24th, 2006, 18:10	#14
ddevadatta Finger Licking Good Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 907	Thanks Thanks you all for all your fine recommendations. Yes I am late. Made a quick decision to travel. Yes, I was born and raised in India and immigrated to the USA 25 years ago. Yes I have some basic vaccinations and no I don't have any booster shots. So looks like I go unprepared medically speaking and will roll the dice. I heard that if you bite back a monkey after it is bitten you you will not get rabbies....

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Dec 23rd, 2006, 19:35	#2
SteamBuff Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Essex, Endland Posts: 370	You have left it a bit late !!!!! The best thing you can do is speak to your Doctor or local travel Clinic. but in general the following are deemed to be needed - Hepatitis A & B, Polio, Tetnus and Typhoid. The following may be recommended depending on what you plan to do and exactly where you go. Meningitis, Rabies and Maleria Tablets. It also depends what you have had in the past. Regards Dave

Dec 23rd, 2006, 22:38	#3
camelgirl 10 year Visa okee dokee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Swannanoa NC usa Posts: 981	Basically, I agree with Steam Buff. Sounds like you were born & raised in India, or at least lived there for quite a long time. You need to know what you already have immunizations for. You may need boosters for Polio & other things you may already have gotten. Talk to a doctor who specializes in Travel Medicine. Your regular MD won't be up-to-date on vaccines travelers need. Bring lots of Deet bug repellant. We like the low dose Sawyer which releases slowly so less gets absorbed by the body. It seems like you've left it for too late for some vaccines anyway. Pre-exposure rabies is very important (since 25,000+ people die of rabies in India every year, the most in the entire world) but needs three shots over a period of weeks. Just try not to go near dogs (hard in India as they are everywhere). Also, sounds like you will be mainly in cities, so probably not too much to worry about. Enjoy your trip and hope you can find some old friends!

Dec 23rd, 2006, 23:22	#4
SANJAY_DEL Account Closed Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NEW DELHI, INDIA Posts: 1,351	Get Oral typhoid capsules, shots for Influenza, Tetanus, hepatitis A and B, anti-malarials, Japanese B encephalitis, anti-rabies vaccine (pre-exposure). Consider BCG if you have never been exposed to tuberculosis.

Dec 24th, 2006, 01:04	#6
Noodle Crazy for the furry ones Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Pune, India Posts: 1,009	Nobody's mentioning cholera? Is it not necessary anymore? Any what about diphterie?

Dec 24th, 2006, 03:54	#8
Wanderer22 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 449	Another product that's available is an oral vaccine called Dukoral. http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/2325ce.htm It gives some protection from travellers' diarrhea and cholera, but is NOT 100% effective. Hepatitis A vaccination is one that I think it's very important to get. Hep A is quite infectious and easily passed via fecal contamination. W22

Dec 24th, 2006, 04:16	#9
camelgirl 10 year Visa okee dokee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Swannanoa NC usa Posts: 981	Not an expert Nick, but there is a big difference between rabies, which is 100% fatal if not treated, and it can be treated, and snake bite, often fatal and not much you can do about it. Also, the deaths from rabies almost completely from dogs, which are ubiquitous in India, rarely but occasionally from monkeys or bats (though any warm blooded animal can get it). Interesting article, though a few years old, not out of date at all, unfortunately-- http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/m...0600860300.htm An article about snakebites is very disturbing (though I've never seen a snake except in a snake charmers basket!) http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/a...ow/1803026.cms It just happens that on our recent India trip my husband got very interested in this subject (rabies in India) and is looking into doing some volunteer work connected with it in the near future. Which is why I'm acting like such a know-it-all We got our pre-exposure rabies vaccine a few years ago. It still doesn't save you from the disease, it just gives you more time to get treatment and you get 3 less painful shots, as opposed to the 5 painful shots that you need very, very quickly, if exposed to rabies--all vaccines readily available in India.

Dec 24th, 2006, 11:19	#10
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,831	It was a flippant comparison on my part. Whereas I've never seen it recommended except in special circumstances, I bow to your greater research and experience. I'm not one to talk, really anyway. I made a big thing of getting everything for my first trip, ten years ago, then just forgot it. Whenever I read a thread like this it reminds me that I ought to go see the doctor and get things up to date...

Dec 24th, 2006, 17:17	#12
SteamBuff Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Essex, Endland Posts: 370	You need a Rabies booster (1 shot) every 2-3 years according to my travel clinic.

Dec 24th, 2006, 17:50	#13
Noodle Crazy for the furry ones Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Pune, India Posts: 1,009	Ok, thanks, I will ask him about it when I go for the other vaccinations.

Dec 24th, 2006, 22:30	#15
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,831	That's just rubbish! You have to bite the monkey, it's father, mother and three of its children....

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