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Typhoid Vaccine

Travel Facts

What is the disease Typhoid?

Typhoid is a bacterial disease caused by the Salmonella Typhi and often found in underdeveloped countries, or where there is poor foodhandling and sanitation. It causes an infection in the bowel, leading to severe diarrhea, sometimes bloody stools, high fever and loss of body fluids.

When is Typhoid Vaccine recommended?

This vaccine is recommended for travellers to developing countries where the standards of hygiene and sanitation are poor. The vaccine is made from the causative agent Salmonella typhi, but does not afford protection against other species of salmonella or other bacteria that cause bowel diseases. Not all recipients of Oral Typhoid Vaccine will be fully protected against Typhoid fever. Travellers should take precautions to avoid consuming potentially contaminated food or water.

The Typhoid Vi Vaccine is a killed inactive vaccine that is given by injection. It gives protection in 83% to 98% of adults and children over the age of 2 years.

Are there risks associated with the Oral Typhoid Vaccine?

The oral vaccine should not be administered to:

• Persons during an acute illness with a fever, or during an acute gastrointestinal illness causing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Persons receiving antibiotics (sulfonamides included) as these drugs may prevent the production of a protective immune response.
• Known hyper-sensitivity to any vaccine component - sucrose, ascorbic acid, amino acid mixture, lactose or magnesium stearate.
• This vaccine is not recommended for children under the age of six (6) years.

• Persons with a history of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine (Vi antigen, isotonic buffer or phenol).
• Immunization should not be given in the event of a fever or severe infection.
• The vaccine should not be given to children under the age of 2 years.