Typhoid Vaccine
Do You Need It and How to Get It
One of the most common travel related vaccines I have given to patients is typhoid. It protects you from the typhoid bacteria which is found in contaminated food and water. This is commonly recommended for travel to Africa and SE Asia.
You may be wondering if you need it for your trip. Here are some questions to help determine if you are at risk of getting it and, if you do need the vaccine, how to pick which one is right for you. That’s right, there are 2 vaccines for it on the market- Typhim and Vivotif.
Are you at risk of getting typhoid fever?
Start by reviewing your destination on the CDC website and finding out if typhoid is a risk there. What country you visit as well as where you will be staying impact your risk. According to the World Health Organization, the risk of getting typhoid is higher in areas with low standards of hygiene and water supply facilities. This means travelers to rural areas are more at risk than urban areas in some countries.
Have you had the vaccine in the past?
You may have received this vaccine for a previous trip. However, these vaccines do not last forever. The oral form is considered good for 5 years and the injectable form is good for 2 years. Depending on when you last received it, you may need to get it again.
Injectable or oral?
Typhoid is unusual in that there are 2 different vaccines on the market.
The injectable form is called Typhim. It is a shot you get in the upper arm, like a flu shot. The most common side effect is a sore arm. This one is best for the following people:
- Children between the ages of 2 and 5
- People who prefer an injectable version
- People that are immunocompromised and are not able to take live vaccines
The oral form is called Vivotif. It is a live vaccine in capsule form that you take by mouth every other day for a week. It is recommended to take it on an empty stomach followed by cold or room temp water. Hot liquids, like coffee or tea, will kill the vaccine. The capsules are stored in the fridge. The most common side effect is an upset stomach after taking the medication. I have given this to many people who have fared well with it but a few times people have come back and got the shot because they had significant stomach upset. This one is best if you can take live vaccines, you have time before your trip to complete the full course and you are at least 6 years old. Many kids have taken this vaccine and done well too. For some, it is a good motivator to learn how to swallow a capsule for the first time since the alternative is a shot. This one usually is less expensive if you are paying out of pocket.
Do you need the typhoid vaccine or are you still not sure? We can help! Book an appointment now to talk to a travel expert and get the typhoid vaccine at a location near you.