Typhoid

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Available Immunizations

Injectable Vaccine - Typhim Vi®
The primary vaccination is given in a single intramuscular injection. You should get this shot at least 1 week before arrival at a high-risk area. The booster dose, recommended every 3 to 5 years under conditions of repeated or continuous exposure, is also a single injection. It is protective (up to 75%) after 10 days.

This vaccine should not be given to children less than 2 years of age.

The most common side effects are redness, hardening and tenderness at the injection site; these symptoms almost always resolve within 48 hours of vaccination. Occasionally, fever, headache and flu-like episodes have been reported.

Oral Vaccine - Vivotif Berna® Because it is a live-bacteria vaccine, it should be avoided during pregnancy and under the age of 6.

This vaccine is given in a 3-dose, every-other-day series on days 0, 2, 4. Each dose consists of a single sachet. Take each dose 1 hour before a meal with cool or lukewarm water (no warmer than body temperature). Do not take with milk or alcohol. Keep them refrigerated until you are ready to take them. The series should be completed at least 1 week before arrival at high-risk areas. The booster series is recommended every 5 years under conditions of repeated or continuous exposure.

The oral vaccine causes fewer side effects than the injectable Typhim Vi®. Side effects from the oral vaccine are rare, but when they do occur, they may include abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, and rash or hives.

If you will be taking mefloquine (Lariam®) to protect against malaria, make sure it is separated by at least 24 hours from any dose of oral typhoid vaccine.

If you will be taking Malarone™ (a drug used to protect against malaria), studies indicate that Malarone™ and oral typhoid vaccine can be given at the same time (even though Malarone™ contains proguanil).

Sulfonamides or antibiotics should not be taken with oral typhoid vaccine; delay vaccination for at least 24 hours after the last dose of medication.

What is it?

Typhoid fever is a serious illness caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhoid

These bacteria are spread through contaminated food, drink or water and can spread from person to person. They thrive in places with poor sanitation.

Symptoms can include chills and fever (which can exceed 40°C or 104°F), headache, tiredness, dizziness, loss of appetite and nausea, stomach pains and constipation or diarrhea.

Your risk of becoming ill with typhoid fever is greater if:

you will be travelling to places off the beaten track;

you will be eating and drinking in places where food and drink may be contaminated because of sanitation problems;

you have a weakened immune system, e.g. if you have AIDS, are HIV positive, or are having chemotherapy

you have low levels of gastric acid, e.g. if you have had a gastrectomy, or if you take antacids or medications for ulcers

Where is it?

Prevention Tips

Follow strict food and water precautions while travelling.

Ensure all food is well cooked - especially meat and seafood.

Consume only canned or commercially bottled drinks.

Ensure ice cubes are made from purified water.

Eat only fruits and vegetables that you wash and peel yourself.

Avoid cold cuts, salads, watermelon and puddings.