Uses
Typhoid (typhoid fever) is a serious disease. It is caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. Typhoid causes a high fever, fatigue, 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 is rare in the U.S., and most U.S. citizens who get the disease get it while traveling. Typhoid strikes about 21 million people a year around the world and kills about 200,000. The typhoid vaccine is not routine in the United States, but it is recommended in some cases.
Side Effects Of Typhoid Vaccine
Like any medicine, a vaccine could cause a serious problem, such as a severe allergic reaction. The risk of typhoid vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Serious problems from either vaccine are very rare.
Inactivated typhoid vaccine (shot)
Mild reactions
- Fever (up to about 1 person in 100)
- Headache (up to about 1 person in 30)
- Redness or swelling at the site of the injection (up to about 1 person in 15)
Live typhoid vaccine (oral)
Mild reactions
- Fever or headache (up to about 1 person in 20)
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rash (rare)
Warnings & Precautions
Inactivated typhoid vaccine (shot)
- Should not be given to children younger than 2 years of age.
- Anyone who has had a severe reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine should not get another dose.
- Anyone who has a severe allergy to any component of this vaccine should not get it. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
- Anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting the vaccine.
Live typhoid vaccine (oral)
- Should not be given to children younger than 6 years of age.
- Anyone who has had a severe reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine should not get another dose.
- Anyone who has a severe allergy to any component of this vaccine should not get it. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
- Anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time the vaccine is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting it. Tell your doctor if you have an illness involving vomiting or diarrhea.
- Anyone whose immune system is weakened should not get this vaccine. They should get the typhoid shot instead. This includes anyone who: has HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system, is being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids for 2 weeks or longer, has any kind of cancer or is taking cancer treatment with radiation or drugs.
- Oral typhoid vaccine should not be given until at least 3 days after taking certain antibiotics.
Ask your doctor for more information.
Typhoid Vaccine Dosage
Routine typhoid vaccination is not recommended in the United States, 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)
One dose provides protection. 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.
Live typhoid vaccine (oral)
Four doses: one capsule every other day for a week (day 1, day 3, day 5, and day 7). The last dose should be given at least 1 week before travel to allow the vaccine time to work.
Swallow each dose about an hour before a meal with a cold or lukewarm drink. Do not chew the capsule.
A booster dose is needed every 5 years for people who remain at risk. Either vaccine may safely be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Other
Ask your doctor.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
