Typhoid Fever

Vaccination for Typhoid Fever is recommended for travellers visiting areas where environmental sanitation and personal hygiene are poor.

Two injectable typhoid vaccines (Typhim Vi and Typherix) provide protection for 2-3 years. They are both well tolerated and offer approximately 70% protection. Vaccination should be undertaken more than 2 weeks before travel. Both vaccines are registered for use in people aged 2 years and over.

Potential side effects include pain and swelling at the site of the injection. A few will experience more systemic effects like fever and fatigue.

An oral typhoid vaccine (Vivotif oral capsules), if available, can be taken on alternative days for 3 doses (3 years protection) or 4 doses (5 years protection). This is a live vaccine and special precautions must be taken with its use. Side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances like cramping pain, bloating and diarrhoea.

There is also a combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine called Vivaxim. Both diseases are seen under similar conditions.