Typhoidvaccines prevent typhoid fever, a potentially fatal bacterial infection.
There are two available typhoid vaccines: Typhim Vi and Vivotif.
Both have mild side effects, which usually resolve on their own.
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Severe reactions following typhoid vaccination are rare.
Who Needs One
Typhoid vaccines are notroutine vaccinationsin the United States.
A fever is the most common sign of this infection.
How Typhoid Vaccines Work
Typhoid vaccines stimulate the production ofimmune cells called antibodies.
These cells “recognize” the bacteria if it enters the bodyand prevent it from establishing an infection.
This includes avoiding untreated drinking water, avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, and frequently washing your hands.
Certain people may need to delay or avoid typhoid vaccines due to health risks.
Neither animal nor human studies have been conducted to assess the safety of Typhim Vi or Vivotif during pregnancy.
However, the benefits of the vaccines may outweigh the potential risks.
It must be kept refrigerated, and taken every other day one hour before a meal.
Frequency
Typhoid vaccines decrease in effectiveness over time.
Periodic boosters are recommended for international travelers who frequent endemic regions.
General recommendations are as follows:
How Soon Before a Trip Should You Get Vaccinated?
Severe reactionsincluding the potentially life-threatening allergy known as anaphylaxisare rare with typhoid vaccines.
Summary
Typhoid vaccines significantly reduce a person’s risk of getting typhoid fever.
There are two options available in the U.S.: an injectable and an oral medication.
Each has only minor side effects, such as headache and nausea.
Centers for Disease Control.Preventing Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of Typhoid Fever and Parathyphoid Fever.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever: vaccination.
Sanofi Pasteur.Package insert - Typhim Vi.
Crucell Switzerland Ltd.Package insert - Vivotif.
In: StatPearls [Internet].
