Typhoid Vaccine
WHO NEEDS IT, HOW TO GET IT, AND CHOOSING WHICH ONE TO GET
Updated February 2026
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.
ARE YOU AT RISK OF GETTING TYPHOID FEVER?
Typhoid is spread through contaminated food and water, which is why the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that risk levels are significantly higher in areas with limited hygiene or water treatment facilities.
While this often means travelers to rural areas are at higher risk than those in urban centers, your specific accommodations and activities are the real deciding factors. Depending on your health history and risk tolerance, a typhoid vaccine—while never legally required for entry—is often a vital ‘insurance policy’ against a life-threatening illness. You can check the current baseline health notices for your specific destination via the CDC Travelers’ Health portal.
Because ‘rural risk’ looks very different for a trekker in the Andes than it does for someone navigating a street-food market in Bangkok, I’ve detailed how I apply these clinical risk assessments to real itineraries in my Peru Travel Health Guide and my Southeast Asia Travel Health Guide.
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.
Heading to India? Read more about typhoid protection and travelers health for India here.
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!