The injectable typhoid vaccine, Typherix®orTyphim Vi®, helps protect children and adults from becoming infected with typhoid fever bacteria.The vaccine should be given at least 2 weeks before travelling, for adequate protection.
What is typhoid fever?
- Typhoid fever is a serious, sometimes life-threatening disease, caused by one strain of bacteria called Salmonella typhi. This germ thrives in developing countries where there may be poor food handling and storage and inadequate water sanitation.
- Typhoid fever spreads by having direct contact with an infected person or eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
- Immunization for typhoid fever is recommended if you are travelling to South Asia, but may be considered if there are certain risk factors, and you are travelling to Africa, Asia, Central or South America or some Eastern European countries.
- Symptoms usually appear one to three weeks after becoming infected and can include high fever, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, or a rash.
- Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics.
Who should get the injectable typhoid vaccine?
- Individuals 2 years of age and older, at risk for catching typhoid fever:
- travelling to South Asia or a developing country where there is a poor sanitation, limited access to safe water, and you are backpacking / staying in low cost accommodation / visiting friends or relatives.
- living with or frequently exposed to a typhoid carrier.
- working in a lab where you are frequently exposed to Salmonella typhi bacteria.
Who should not get the injectable typhoid vaccine?
- Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to this vaccine in the past, or to any component of the vaccine:
- Typherix® – salmonella typhi, phenol, sodium chloride solution, disodium phosphate, sodium phosphate
- Typhim Vi® – salmonella typhi, phenol, isotonic buffer solution (Does not contain latex)
- Anyone with a high fever, moderate to severe illness, or vomiting / diarrhea, should wait until they feel well.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only be vaccinated if it is clearly necessary
What are the common side effects of typhoid vaccine?
- Some people may feel sore and swollen for a few days where the needle was given and have general muscle aches, headaches, fever and/ or feel tired for a day or two.
- Tylenol® or ibuprofen may be taken afterwards, as directed, to reduce discomfort or fever.
- Children under 19 years of age must not be given ASA, Aspirin® or salicylates.
What else do I need to know?
- The best defense against germs is frequent hand washing; wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after you use the bathroom and / or before you eat or handle food.
- Follow the advice on the Safe Food and Safe Water Fact sheets.
- You will need a booster dose in 3 years if you are still exposed to typhoid germs.
When should I seek medical attention after immunization?
- If you or your child experiences any unusual side effects, please seek medical attention and notify us.
- Go to Emergency at a hospital right away or call 911 if you or your child has any of the following symptoms after immunization:
- swelling of the face and neck
- problems breathing
- hives and itchy, reddened skin
Your Record of Protection
After you receive any immunization, make sure your health care provider updates your personal immunization record. Keep it in a safe place. Please inform us of any immunizations not received from Public Health.
