typhoid vaccine at a glance
Vaccine type
Non-live Vi capsular polysaccharide vaccine
Licensed use
Active immunisation against typhoid fever in adults and children aged 2 years or older
Administration
Given by injection, usually into a muscle, by a trained healthcare professional
Protection limits
Does not protect against paratyphoid and may not protect every recipient
What is typhoid vaccine used for?
The selected injectable vaccine is licensed for active immunisation against typhoid fever caused by Salmonella Typhi.
Used in adults and children aged 2 years or older when protection against typhoid is appropriate, commonly because of travel-related exposure.
It does not prevent paratyphoid or infection caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella.
How does typhoid vaccine work?
The vaccine contains purified Vi capsular polysaccharide from Salmonella Typhi. The immune system produces anti-Vi antibodies, helping it respond if subsequently exposed to the organism. It contains no live bacteria and cannot cause typhoid fever.
How to take typhoid vaccine
A trained healthcare professional gives this vaccine by injection.
It is usually injected into a muscle; subcutaneous administration may be used when appropriate.
It must not be injected into a blood vessel.
Tell the vaccinator about allergies, previous vaccine reactions, bleeding disorders, immune problems and current illness.
Continue careful food, water and hand hygiene when travelling.
typhoid vaccine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain, redness, swelling or firmness at the injection site
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Tiredness or generally feeling unwell
- Fever, particularly in children and adolescents
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or another severe allergic reaction
- Severe wheezing or breathing difficulty
- Collapse; fainting can also occur around needle procedures
- A delayed allergic-type illness with rash, joint symptoms or other features suggesting serum sickness
typhoid vaccine in pregnancy
Evidence in pregnancy is limited. The product information advises using this vaccine only when clearly needed after assessing risks and benefits. UK pregnancy guidance generally favours the non-live injectable vaccine over oral live vaccine when typhoid protection is necessary; discuss travel and exposure risk with a doctor, midwife or travel-health clinician.
typhoid vaccine while breastfeeding
The product information states that it is unknown whether this vaccine passes into human milk and advises caution. UK specialist guidance indicates that vaccinations other than yellow fever vaccine can generally be given while breastfeeding; discuss individual circumstances with the vaccinator or prescriber.
typhoid vaccine interactions
Important practical considerations relate mainly to immune response and administration with other vaccines.
Immunosuppressive medicines
Treatment that suppresses immunity may reduce the antibody response; timing and likely benefit should be assessed clinically, although the non-live vaccine may still be used when appropriate.
Other vaccines
Several common vaccines may be given during the same visit, but each injection must use a separate site and products must not be mixed in one syringe.
Common questions about typhoid vaccine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What infection does typhoid vaccine protect against?
It protects against typhoid fever caused by Salmonella Typhi. It does not provide established protection against paratyphoid or non-typhoidal Salmonella infections.
Is the injectable typhoid vaccine a live vaccine?
No. The selected injectable vaccine contains purified Vi polysaccharide and no live bacteria.
Can I still catch typhoid after vaccination?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.