Typhoid Vaccination

Typhoid is found in countries with inadequate sanitation and is endemic in Indian subcontinent, South-East Asia, parts of the Middle East, Central and South America and Africa. Around 22 million cases of typhoid fever and 220,000 deaths occur annually (WHO 2014).   

The disease is transmitted from human to human via ingesting contaminated food or drinking water or through poor personal hygiene, such as lack of hand washing. The bacteria are found in the faeces of infected individuals and 2-5% of those infected become long term carriers and excrete the bacteria in their faeces. 

The incubation period is 10 to 20 days and depends on, among other things, how large a dose of bacteria has been taken in. In the mild disease, the bacterium is eliminated very early in the course of the disease and there are perhaps only mild symptoms. Symptoms can include high fever, diarrhoea or constipation, headache, rash and in severe disease multi-organ failure can occur. If untreated, the death rate is 20%, whereas prompt antibiotic treatment reduces this to less than 1%. 

Typhoid is treatable with antibiotics administered early on. Supportive treatment, such as rehydration are also important. To prevent infection, take food and water hygiene measures while travelling and maintain personal hygiene. Vaccination is available to those at risk of typhoid fever. Typhoid vaccine is recommended for travellers to areas where typhoid is common, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It’s also advised for people who have close contact with an infected person. 

The typhoid vaccine is made from inactivated protein from the bacteria. It cannot cause infection in the vaccinated individual and nor is the vaccinated individual infectious to others.  

The inactivated vaccine is effective from 7 days and provides around 75% protection against the illness. There is a live vaccine that is taken orally, which is 50-60% effective. However, this is rarely indicated as it requires 3 doses, can only be given from 6 years of age and is not as effective as the inactivated injection. 

It is important that in addition to vaccination, you are scrupulous with food and water and hand hygiene while travelling. 

The Typhoid vaccine’s protection typically lasts about 3 years. After this period, a booster dose is needed for continued immunity. 

Getting vaccinated before travelling is a key step in safeguarding your health, the health of those around you, and the public health of the communities you visit. For Typhoid, it is advisable to get the vaccine at least 2 weeks before departure. 

A consultation with our specialist travel nurse costs £20 for the first appointment and £10 for additional people and follow ups. The consultation is required to assess your travel plans and medical history and recommend vaccinations for your individual needs. A dose of the Typhoid vaccine costs £49, and 1 dose is required. The vaccine offers protection for 3 years.  

Please see our full price list for details and speak to our staff in clinics about customised price plans for groups, families or when you book your full course in advance. 

Common side effects include local reactions at the injection site, pain, redness and swelling. Fever, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and muscle ache can occur after vaccination and are normally short lived.  

Typhoid vaccines can generally be given alongside other travel vaccines, but scheduling and interactions should be discussed with the nurse during your consultation or another healthcare provider. 

You can get the Typhoid vaccine in one of our flagship clinics with locations in: 

• London: Victoria, Moorgate, London Bridge 

• Hampshire: Winchester, Southampton 

• Hertfordshire: Hitchin 

• Sussex: Brighton & Hove, Worthing 

• Kent: Ashford 

You can also visit one of our local pharmacy partners by finding a clinic near you. 

Is Typhoid the same as Typhoid Fever?

Yes, Typhoid and Typhoid fever are used interchangeably to describe the same disease. 

What are symptoms of Typhoid?

Symptoms can include high fever, diarrhoea or constipation, headache, rash and in severe disease multi-organ failure can occur. If untreated, the death rate is 20%, whereas prompt antibiotic treatment reduces this to less than 1%. 

What is the schedule for the Typhoid vaccine?

How often do you need a Typhoid booster?

There is no booster vaccination for Typhoid. Instead, a new vaccination should be given every 3 years for continued immunity. The immunity from the typhoid vaccine wanes over this period. Therefore, if there is further risk of exposure due to travel, a new vaccination is required to increase the protection levels. 

Can children have the Typhoid vaccine?

Yes, children over a certain age (usually 2 years for the injectable vaccine and 6 years for the oral vaccine) can receive the typhoid vaccine. 

The vaccine is not given to younger children because it is a polysaccharide vaccine and children under 2 years do not mount a good immune response to the vaccine. Therefore, it is not as effective. 

Who is not able to have the Typhoid vaccine?

The vaccine is not recommended for individuals with severe allergies to any vaccine components or those with a compromised immune system. 

The inactivated vaccine should not be given if: 

• There is a history of severe allergic reaction to previous dose of typhoid vaccine or any of the components of the vaccine. 

• In illnesses with fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius. 

Pregnancy 

There is no specific data on the safety of the inactivated typhoid vaccine during pregnancy. However, inactivated vaccines have not been shown to cause harm during pregnancy. Therefore, the vaccine can be administered to pregnant women who are at significant risk of exposure to Typhoid during travel following a careful risk assessment. 

Breast Feeding 

There is no specific data on the safety of the inactivated typhoid vaccine when given to breast feeding mothers. However, inactivated vaccines have not been shown to cause harm when given to breast feeding mothers. Therefore, the vaccine can be administered to pregnant women who are at significant risk of exposure to Typhoid during travel following a careful risk assessment. 

Is the Typhoid vaccine free on the NHS?

The Typhoid vaccine is usually not free on the NHS for travel purposes. However, it might be available for specific clinical indications. 

What additional precautions do I need to take to avoid Typhoid?

To prevent infection, take food and water hygiene measures while travelling and maintain personal hygiene.