Travel Vaccinations for Goa, India
Goa, India, is renowned for its lovely beaches and resorts as well as its historic forts and temples. As exciting as it promises to be, Goa does pose some risk to visitors, especially if they are unprepared. Being prepared means being informed and taking all precautions to ensure your continued health during your vacation.
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1. Routine Vaccinations for Goa
Prior to any travel you need to ensure you are up-to-date with your Routine Vaccinations.
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccination
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio area all serious and potentially life threatening diseases. Most travellers should have been vaccinated as part of the UK national vaccination schedule. A booster every ten years is recommended by the World Health Organisation. Vaccination is given as a single dose as part of the combined DTP Vaccination.
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio, Revaxis, Single Dose: £28
Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Measles, Mumps and Rubella are serious and potentially life threatening diseases. Most travellers should have been vaccinated as part of the UK national vaccination schedule. Vaccination is given as a course of two as part of the combined MMR Vaccination.
Measles Mumps and Rubella, MMR, Course of Two: £45 per dose
2. Courses and Boosters advised for Travel to Goa
Most people travelling to Goa, India require the following travel vaccinations.
Hepatitis A Vaccination
Hepatitis A effects the functioning of the liver. It is found in areas that have poor sanitation and is common in Africa, Asia, Middle East and South America. There are a number of options for vaccination including single and combined vaccinations.
Hepatitis A Adult, Epaxyl, Single Dose: £42
Hepatitis A Child, Epaxyl, Single Dose: £42
Hepatitis A and Typhoid, Single Dose, Viatim: £87
Hepatitis A and B Adult, Twinrix, Course of Three: £60 per dose
Hepatitis A and B Child, Twinrix, Course of Three £40 per dose
Hepatitis A and B Child, Ambrix, Course of Three, £55 per dose
Typhoid Vaccination
Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection which causes acute inflammation of the liver. Left untreated, Typhoid can be fatal. It is found throughout the world in areas that have poor sanitation including Africa, Central and South America, South Asia and India, the Middle East. There are a number of options for vaccination including single, combined and oral vaccination.
Typhoid, Typhim Vi, Single Dose: £50
Hepatitis A and Typhoid, Viatim, Single Dose: £87
Typhoid Oral, Vivotiff, Course of Three, £50 for the course
3. Additional Vaccinations for Goa
Following a risk assessment based on your itinerary, length of stay, occupational and personal risks you may be advised additional travel vaccinations for India, including:
Rabies Vaccination
Rabies is a very serious disease that is spread by infected mammals such as dogs, bats and monkeys. A rabies vaccine is crucial for extended or repetitive travel anywhere in the world and is given as a course of three over 21 to 28 days.
Rabies, Rabipur, Course of three, £50 per dose
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination
Japanese Encephalitis causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and can cause brain damage and can also be fatal. It is spread by infected mosquitoes across South-East Asia and Japan. Vaccination is a course of two 28 days apart.
Japanese Encephalitis, Ixiario, Course of Two: £85 per dose
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B affects the functioning of the liver and is spread by coming into contact with infected bodily fluids. High risk activities include sexual intercourse, sharing needles and through medical intervention using unsterile equipment. There are a number of options for vaccination including single and combined vaccinations.
Hepatitis B Adult, EnergixB, Course of Three, £35 per dose
Hepatitis B Child, EnergixB Junior, Course of Three, £35 per dose
Hepatitis A and B Adult, Twinrix, Course of Three: £60 per dose
Hepatitis A and B Child, Twinrix, Course of Three £40 per dose
Hepatitis A and B Child, Ambrix, Course of Three, £55 per dose
Cholera Vaccination
Cholera is spread by contaminated food and water found in areas with poor sanitation. It can cause severe diarrhoea which can lead to dehydration. If left untreated cholera can be fatal. The vaccination is administered orally, two doses given over one to six weeks.
Cholera, Dukorol, Course of Two: £28 per dose
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Yellow Fever Requirements for Goa
There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Goa, India but there is a certificate requirement. Under International Health Regulations (2005), travellers who have been to an area affected by Yellow Fever, or who have travelled via an airport of a country affected, are required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) before they are allowed to enter India.
Yellow Fever is a serious viral illness spread by mosquitoes in the tropical regions of Africa and South America. It causes severe flu-like symptoms which can develop into a serious illness including haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. The Yellow Fever Vaccination is given as a single dose that you need to have at least ten days prior to travel.
Risk of Malaria in Goa
The risk of Malaria in India varies across the country however there is a low to no risk of Malaria in Goa. Travellers are advised however to be risk assessed for travel to any part of India.
Malaria is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes that bite from dusk to dawn throughout the tropical world. It causes high fever and severe joint and muscle pains. In serious cases, malaria can be fatal. Travellers to areas where there is a risk of malaria should get advice regarding medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition. Further reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes by using insect repellant such as DEET 50% and covering up exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
Non-Vaccine Preventable Diseases for India
Malaria
In Goa, the risk of Malaria is considered low for most travellers. Check with your travel nurse prior to travelling. Anti-malarial pills can help protect you against Malaria, if they are taken just as directed, and if you begin taking them two weeks before your departure for Goa, and continue the treatment throughout your journey, and two weeks following your return.
Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is another story, since there is no cure, and while Dengue Fever is rarely fatal, the symptoms (muscle and joint pain, headache, weakness, high fever, vomiting and diarrhoea) can continue for weeks. The only way to avoid Malaria and Dengue is to protect yourself from being bitten, by using liberal amounts of insecticide throughout the day and evening, wearing clothing that covers arms and legs, and sleeping under a mosquito net treated with insecticide.
Further Travel Health in Goa, India
During your visit to our Travel Health Clinic, we will discuss these with you, and determine whether your travel itinerary, before or after visiting Goa, puts you at risk for any of these diseases. It is also of utmost importance that, well before travelling, you make plans to visit your Family Doctor for a full check-up to:
a) Review your past immunisations, and check that you still have immunity to such diseases as Polio, Tuberculosis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Measles, which is showing a resurgence in Asia at present. A one-time booster for Polio is recommended, if you have not had one as an adult.
b) Determine your state of health and fitness for travel.
c) Obtain renewals on any prescriptions you will need during your journey, and get copies of these to carry with you, as Immigration often request proof that you need the medication you are carrying.
Drinking Water
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it again, “Don’t drink the water!” Don’t even think of drinking the water in India, or in South-east Asia, for that matter. Use only bottled water from a good shop…and drink it straight from a bottle that you have opened yourself. Don’t use a glass no matter where you are, and avoid ice cubes.
Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and evening as, with the climate in Goa, there is a danger of becoming de-hydrated very quickly, whether you are out walking, or at the beach. Always use sun block lotion (at least an SPF 30) at the beach, or enjoying water-sports, and even when you are walking with your skin exposed- remember you can get sunburned in 20-30 minutes without proper protection.
Food
Roadside vendors offer an array of exotic-looking delicacies, but be careful—check for hygiene, for unwashed surfaces, and foods that might not be cooked enough. Remember that just one mouthful of a badly-cooked dish can turn your vacation into a very unpleasant experience. Remember to pack a supply of “Imodium” or similar anti-diarrhoeal remedy, along with your insecticide and pain medication. All in all, with a little common sense, and prevention, Goa is a safe and delightful spot for your holiday.
