The typhoid vaccine can help to prevent you from getting typhoid fever. This bacterial illness can be transmitted through contaminated food and drink. The typhoid bacteria causes a life-threatening disease that includes stomach pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, coughing, high fever, and weakness. Those who do not get vaccinated can be sick for weeks or might even die. There is a new strain of this bacteria that has recently developed that does not respond to antibiotic treatment as well, making vaccination even more important.
There are two vaccines that can be used to prevent typhoid. The type that you take might depend on what is available in your area, or your doctor might recommend one kind of vaccine over the other due to your medical needs.
The inactivated vaccine is given as an injection. It can be given to people of all ages, even those two years and younger. You should get a dose about 2 weeks before travelling to a place where typhoid is common, if possible. The vaccine needs to be repeated every 2 years for those who are in at-risk groups.
This vaccine is given orally. It is taken in pill form and can be given to patients who are 6 years and older. One capsule is taken every other day. Four capsules complete the series of the vaccine. The last dose should be given about 1 week before travelling to a place where typhoid is common, if possible. Each capsule cannot be chewed and must be swallowed. Booster vaccines are used to keep your immunity up to date.
The typhoid vaccine is recommended for those who will be travelling to places where typhoid is common. It is also recommended for those who are exposed to a typhoid carrier on a regular basis. If you live in an area where typhoid is common, you should also consider getting vaccinated. Lab workers or healthcare workers who are exposed to typhoid or salmonella typhi bacteria should also be vaccinated. This vaccine cannot 100% prevent you from getting typhoid, so you should still avoid eating or drinking contaminated food and water.
All vaccines can cause some side effects in those who receive them. Common side effects of the injection-style vaccine include pain at the site of the shot or swelling in this location and fatigue. The live vaccine can cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, and abdominal pain. These symptoms should pass after a couple of days.
If you have a severe reaction, including swelling of the throat, itchy throat, hives on the face and hands, or dizziness and weakness, you need to seek medical attention immediately. These can be signs of severe allergic reactions and require emergency medical treatment.