Typhoid Updated 7.24 – Odyssey Travel Health

Typhoid Vaccine

FIGURING OUT IF YOU NEED IT AND HOW TO GET IT

Updated July 2024

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. More on that later.

Source

ARE YOU AT RISK OF GETTING TYPHOID FEVER?

First check if there is a risk of typhoid at your destination. You can review the chart above or check at the CDC travel website.

Your accommodations and activities also affect your risk of getting typhoid fever. It is spread through contaminated food and water. 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.

Depending on your risk level, your health history and your risk tolerance, you may consider getting typhoid vaccine. It is never required for international travel but it many cases it is a good idea to avoid getting sick. It can be life-threatening. More info here.

HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE VACCINE IN THE PAST?

You may have received this vaccine for a previous trip, but protection wanes over time.

The oral form (Vivotif) is considered good for 5 years and the injectable form (Typhim) is good for 2 years. Depending on when you last received it, you may need to get it again.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO VACCINES?

There are 2 vaccines on the market for typhoid and they work equally well. One is an injectable vaccine (Typhim) and the other is an oral vaccine (Vivotif).

Typhim 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

Vivotif is a live vaccine in capsule form that you take by mouth every other day for a week. It is a little fussy to take (needs to be refrigerated, take on an empty stomach, etc.). But many people prefer it because generally it is less expensive if you are paying out of pocket and immunity lasts longer (5 years versus 2 years for Typhim).

HOW DO I GET IT?

If 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.

At Odyssey, we believe in making it as convenient as possible for you to get the care you need for travel. You already have enough on your plate to prepare for your trip. This part should be easy! We have been doing this for over 8 years. We know what you need and will answer your questions. We also are 5-Star rated on Google and provide excellent customer service to all international travelers in Washington State.

Are you ready check this part of your trip off your list? Then book an appointment with us now!

    
 
 
        
   Marisa Gronholz 
 August 6, 2023
 
 
  We needed some last minute meds for international travel and this was so easy and the whole process was so thorough and professional and a great experience all around. I highly recommend!
  
 
       
   haji mirkab 
 July 14, 2023
 
 
  Lisa was a very excellent to communicate with her and I will see her back again.
  
 
       
   Robert Bruggner 
 July 1, 2023
 
 
  I had a wonderful experience with Odyssey Travel Health. Lisa provided thoughtful health recommendations for my upcoming trip and was convenient to chat with via a Telehealth visit. Much appreciated and highly recommended!
  
 
       
   Ruchira Choudhari 
 June 15, 2023
 
 
  My husband and I received a limited travel consultation, and we were both very pleased with the service. Lisa was extremely helpful in assisting us with finding a suitable pharmacy for the yellow fever vaccine, prescribing antimalarials and altitude sickness medicines. We appreciated her dedication to ensuring that we were well-informed about the necessary medications for our trip. Additionally, she was prompt in responding to our messages, which we found very reassuring.
  
 
       
   Kaeli Creighton 
 May 26, 2023
 
 
  Lisa at Odyssey Health was so easy to work with. She was able to get my fiancé and I in the same day I called to ensure we were prepared for our upcoming trip. She was personable and thorough.
  
 
       
   M M 
 March 28, 2023
 
 
  Odyssey Travel Health was really easy to use and had excellent customer service. The online forms were very easy to fill out and Lisa was very knowledgeable. Even though I'm not local, she was able to send my prescriptions to a pharmacy near me. Since they're a small business, their customer service is excellent. I highly recommend Odyssey Travel Health!