What vaccinations for Bangalore from US?

February 19, 2009 7:05 PM

What vaccinations for US visitor to Bangalore?

I live in the US, and I found out a few days ago that I need to travel to Bangalore in 10 days for a 10 day trip. My wife said, "What about vaccinations?"

Many company colleagues visit there, and I've never heard any of them mention vaccinations, which is why it didn't occur to me. I don't know for sure, but I suspect many of my colleagues don't bother.

There are various recommendations for vaccinations floating around, but none of them are mandatory.

What do I really need to consider getting, and can it be done effectively so as to take effect in 10 days?

(PS - Yes I will ask my doctor, but I would like to go pre-informed.)

posted by blue_wardrobe to health & fitness (9 comments total)

Check the CDC page for health advisories for India.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:21 PM on February 19

State Department: "Indian health regulations require all travelers arriving from Sub-Saharan Africa or other yellow-fever areas to have evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. Travelers who do not have such proof are subject to immediate deportation or a six-day detention in the yellow-fever quarantine center. U.S. citizens who transit through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, are advised to carry proof of yellow fever immunization."

CDC: Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, Polio booster... (See the link) Also prophylactic treatment against Malaria is strongly recommended.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 7:26 PM on February 19

Might as well get all that are recommended. That's what I did about two years ago for a month-long trip to India.

You will also no doubt be advised to take anti-malaria medication. I was, and I ended up taking a few doses of Lariam before giving it up. It was some wild shit, giving me crazy dreams and whatnot. If you're staying in Bangalore -- definitely the most metropolitan of all Indian cities -- I'd recommend using a different form of anti-malaria precautions, like Deet. Especially if you'll be doing business while you're there and don't want to seem like some cracked-out psychopath.

Enjoy your time there. India is truly a magical and bizarre place.
posted by nitsuj at 7:42 PM on February 19

If you take nitsuj's advice, pick up a test kit (e.g., NOW, KAT, etc.), Cipro, and if you're heading into an area with resistant malaria, something like Coartem. You'll be able to get those here for ~$500, or overseas for ~$5.

The CDC link above says:
You should purchase your antimalarial drugs before travel. Drugs purchased overseas may not be manufactured according to United States standards and may not be effective. They also may be dangerous, contain counterfeit medications or contaminants, or be combinations of drugs that are not safe to use.

I've never known anyone to have problems with anti-malarial drugs bought in Uganda, Tanzania, etc., but my sample size is about five, so take that as you will.
posted by suncoursing at 8:34 PM on February 19

Hey, look me up. I'm in Bangalore. :)

Honestly, you'll probably be fine without any vaccinations. It's an urban jungle, not some swamp. I don't think I've heard of a Malaria case in the 12 years I've been here.
posted by madman at 9:00 PM on February 19

I was there about a year ago and opted out of the prophylactic anti-malarial, but did get the Hep A, Polio and Typhoid. If you're there on business, I doubt you'll be in risky situations in any case. You might reconsider if you're planning an excursion on your weekend off.

One other thing. I think the Hep A vaccine came in two instalments. At least the one I had. Given the short lead up, you might not have the time for a full course.

Enjoy the trip!
posted by michswiss at 9:33 PM on February 19

I'd recommend taking Malarone as your anti-malarial if your insurance covers it. Basically no side effects (especially no crazy dreams like Lariam), and you only have to start taking it a couple of days before leaving and for one week after. I've taken doxycycline while abroad too, and the side effects, while not unbearable, were unpleasant (sensitivity to sun and throwing up after taking the pill). Here's a decent site that gives you an overview of your three possible anti-malarial drugs. But as madman said, you're probably fine without anything as long as you're staying in Bangalore (but if you're already got a doctor's appointment lined up, might as well be better safe than sorry).

Hope you have a great trip and enjoy Bangalore! It's a really fun city with lots to do!
posted by karyotypical at 4:48 AM on February 20

Agree with Madman, though that said, the vacs are useful to have anyway. Personally I wouldn't (and don't) bother with antimalarials if I'm just visiting a city.
posted by rhymer at 5:36 AM on February 20

I'm in Bangalore too! It is a pretty cool place.
I got the four vaccinations recommended by the CDC about ten days before I left the US--all at once, and woke up feeling almost like I had the flu the next day as a result (I assume). I was told not to worry about malaria in the city, too.
You are supposed to get a second hepatitis (A?) shot at some point, but otherwise the travel doc I saw wasn't worried about the short time frame.
posted by firefleet at 9:37 AM on February 20