Who should have it
Travellers visiting areas where typhoid is more common, particularly South Asia, and also parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. It’s especially worth considering if you’ll be staying with friends or family, travelling for longer, eating outside main hotels and restaurants, or visiting rural areas.
How many doses
Protection is usually given as a single dose before you travel, ideally a couple of weeks ahead so it has time to work. Protection lasts for a few years, so a booster may be needed for future trips. Your prescriber will confirm the timing based on your plans.
Possible side effects
Side effects are usually mild and may include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, tiredness, or a mild temperature in the days after vaccination.
Additional precautions
The vaccine reduces your risk but doesn’t remove it, so safe food and water habits remain important. Choose freshly cooked hot food, drink bottled or treated water, avoid ice and unwashed salads or fruit, and wash your hands regularly.
About the disease
Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection spread through food or water contaminated with the bacteria, often where sanitation is poor. It can cause a high temperature, tummy pain, headache and feeling very unwell, and needs prompt medical treatment, which is why prevention matters.