What is typhoid?

 Typhoid (typhoid fever) is a serious disease.  It is caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. Typhoid causes a high fever, weakness, stomach pains, headache, loss of appetite, and sometimes a rash.  If it is not treated, it can kill up to 30% of people who get it.

Some people who get typhoid become “carriers,” who can spread the disease to others.

     Generally, people get typhoid from contaminated food or water.    Typhoid strikes about 21 million people a year around the world and kills about 200,000.

     Typhoid vaccine can prevent typhoid.

Who should get typhoid vaccine and when?

Routine typhoid vaccination is not recommended in, but typhoid vaccine is recommended for:

-Travelers to parts of the world where typhoid is common.  (NOTE: typhoid vaccine is not 100% effective and is not a substitute for being careful about what you eat or drink.)

-People in close contact with a typhoid carrier.

-Laboratory workers who work with Salmonella Typhi bacteria.

 Inactivated Typhoid Vaccine (Shot). Should not be given to children younger than 2 years of age.

It should be given at least 2 weeks before travel to allow the vaccine time to work.

 A booster dose is needed every 2 years for people who remain at risk.

 The vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. 

 Who should not get typhoid vaccine or should wait?

Anyone who has had a severe reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine should not get another dose.

What are the risks from typhoid vaccine?

A vaccine, like any medicine, could possibly cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions.  The risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely rare. Serious problems from the typhoid vaccine are very rare.

 Mild Reactions

  Fever (up to about 1 person per 100).

  Headache (up to about 3 people per 100).

  Redness or swelling at the site of the injection (up to 7 people per 100).