Travel vaccine
Typhoid Vaccine
The typhoid vaccine protects against typhoid fever, a serious infection spread through contaminated food and water, and is recommended for travel to higher-risk areas.
What it protects against
It protects against typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caught from food or water contaminated with the bacteria, causing high fever, tummy pain and feeling very unwell.
Who it's for
People travelling to areas where typhoid is common, especially where food and water hygiene may be poor or for longer stays and visits to friends and relatives.
How it works
It is available as an injection (containing part of the bacteria) or as capsules (a live, weakened form taken by mouth), prompting protective immunity.
Safety
Safety and side effects
It is safe and well tolerated. The injection can cause soreness at the site and mild fever; the oral form is generally well tolerated. Protection is not complete, so food and water hygiene abroad is still important.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
Typhoid Vaccine: frequently asked questions
Does the typhoid vaccine give complete protection?
No vaccine is 100% effective, and the typhoid vaccine gives good but not complete protection, so careful food and water hygiene while travelling remains important alongside vaccination.
How long before travel should I have the typhoid vaccine?
Ideally a couple of weeks before travel so protection has time to build. See a travel clinic or GP in good time before your trip to plan all recommended vaccines.
Related
Other travel vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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