Typhoid vaccines explained

If you’re travelling somewhere that has a high risk of typhoid fever, you might want to get vaccinated. Discover the facts about typhoid vaccines.

Why is there a vaccine for typhoid?

Who should have a typhoid vaccine?

Are there different typhoid vaccine names and types?

When should I get a typhoid vaccine?

How effective is the typhoid vaccine?

Who shouldn’t have a typhoid vaccine?

Are there typhoid vaccine side effects?

When to seek help

Key points



So here’s all you need to know about typhoid fever vaccines, from who should have them and the different types available, to how reliable they are and who shouldn’t be vaccinated.

## Why is there a vaccine for typhoid?

Typhoid vaccines help prevent [typhoid fever](/bacterial-infections/typhoid-fever), a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It’s very easy to catch (contagious) and spreads through food or water that’s been contaminated with poo or urine from an infected person.

To start with, typhoid fever causes symptoms such as a high temperature (fever) and headache. But if it isn’t treated it can cause serious health problems.

If left untreated, typhoid fever can be life-threatening, and up to 30% of people who don’t get treatment die.

If you have typhoid fever, you can also spread it to other people. And even if you no longer have symptoms, you can still be a ‘carrier’ of the disease.

![Vial of typhoid vaccine with syringe needle in the top](//images.ctfassets.net/iqo3fk8od6t9/5INhE7QNAYq0A6aJKm8yIu/c56fa65486d85a5ad75b704439725bfd/Typhoid_vaccine.jpg)


::: body-ad-desktop
zones:: 232632,232343,232640
types:: 163
disclaimer:: AD
typeFilter:: native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::


::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232343,232642
types:: 5,163
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display/native_ad
adCount:: 1

:::

## Who should have a typhoid vaccine?

The vaccine is generally recommended if you’re going to be spending time in a part of the world where typhoid fever is common. 

High-risk areas include: 

- the Indian subcontinent
- Africa
- South and Southeast Asia
- South America

It’s particularly important to consider getting a vaccination if you’re going to be staying with people in places with poor sanitation and food hygiene, as this is where typhoid is most likely to occur.


::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232343,233460
types:: 5
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display
adCount:: 1

:::

## Are there different typhoid vaccine names and types?

There are 3 main types of vaccine for typhoid fever:

- inactivated typhoid vaccine – sometimes called the Vi vaccine, this is given as a single injection or ‘shot’ and is suitable from 2 years of age 
- live typhoid vaccine – sometimes called the Ty21a vaccine, this is given as a series of tablets that you take on alternate days and it’s suitable from 6 years of age
- typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) – 2 TCV vaccines are licensed in India. They’re given as a single injection and are suitable from 6 months of age


::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232343,245869
types:: 5
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display
adCount:: 1

:::

## When should I get a typhoid vaccine?

If you’re going to a high-risk area, it’s best to get a typhoid vaccine at least 1 month before you go. But you can have it closer to your travel date if necessary.

The protection the vaccine gives doesn’t last forever, so you may need a ‘booster’ dose at a later date if you’re still at risk. Depending on which type of vaccine you have, this may be recommended every 2 to 5 years.

![Someone marking a date on a calendar with a red pen](//images.ctfassets.net/iqo3fk8od6t9/6r1LUkxnLzqHUja6jpjoO6/14d38969c049fd33fa4325eafdf910e8/Calendar.jpg)


::: body-ad-mobile
zones:: 232632,232343,245870
types:: 5
disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT
typeFilter:: display
adCount:: 1

:::

## How effective is the typhoid vaccine?

While having a vaccine will help protect you against typhoid fever, none of the typhoid vaccines are 100% effective. This means it’s still possible to get typhoid fever after you’ve been vaccinated.

So it’s important to be careful about what you eat or drink when you’re in an area where typhoid is common. It’s best to only drink bottled water – or water that’s been boiled – and avoid eating uncooked fruit and vegetables.

## Who shouldn’t have a typhoid vaccine?

The Vi and Ty21a vaccines aren’t suitable for children under 2 years of age.

The Ty21a vaccine isn’t suitable for you if you have a weakened immune system – because you have HIV or are having chemotherapy treatment, for example – as it’s made with a live sample of Salmonella typhi bacteria.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to your healthcare provider before having a typhoid vaccine.

![Traveller drinking bottled water](//images.ctfassets.net/iqo3fk8od6t9/7ilBqyGF5ZtecXKBSsCW4W/aa5407ba292154aaa2cac81bf8067302/Bottled_water.jpg)

## Are there typhoid vaccine side effects?

It’s rare to get a bad reaction to a typhoid vaccine. 

If you have an injection, you may notice some soreness, redness, swelling or hardness around the injection site.

Other possible side effects from a typhoid vaccine include:

- a high temperature (fever) of 38C or above
- tummy pain
- headache
- feeling sick
- diarrhoea 

If you do get any side effects, they’ll usually be mild and go away on their own after a few days. They’re a sign that your body is starting to build up protection (immunity) against infection.

## When to seek help

Although bad reactions are rare, there’s a small chance that a typhoid vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction.

Get medical help straight away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, including:

- swellings and redness on your skin (hives)
- swelling of your face and throat
- difficulty breathing
- a fast heartbeat
- dizziness
- weakness 

If you have any other symptoms that worry you after having a typhoid vaccine, speak to a doctor for advice.

## Key points

- typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated water or food 
- it can be serious, so if you’re travelling or living in areas where it’s common, you may want to get a vaccine
- there are 3 main types of typhoid vaccine
- none of the vaccines are 100% effective, so you should still be careful about what you eat and drink
- it’s common to have a mild reaction to a vaccine, but this usually only lasts a few days
- if you have signs of an allergic reaction, get medical help straight away

error

 There was an error when submitting your feedback – have a screen break then try again in a few minutes.

Oh no, something’s gone wrong

ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS?

initial

This isn’t helpful

This isn’t relevant

Something is wrong

This isn’t accurate

Please select one.

loading

success

We're listening – we use your feedback to improve your experience, and make our content more helpful.

Thank you for your feedback

References

Ana Mosciuk

Susie Parker

Dr Ann Nainan

Article information

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

Rows of typhoid vaccine syringes on a light blue background

Get help with this

Self-care