Typhim VI

Typhoid vaccine helps prevent typhoid fever in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. While it is not part of the routine immunization schedule in the U.S., it is recommended for:

• people who travel to areas where typhoid fever is common (especially Asia, Africa, and Central or South America);
• people who live with someone who is a typhoid carrier; and
• laboratory workers who may come into contact with Salmonella typhi in a work setting.

This vaccine works by exposing you to a small amount of the bacteria, which helps your body build immunity to the disease.

Typhoid vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body, and will not prevent any disease caused by bacteria other than Salmonella typhi.

Like any vaccine, the typhoid vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

You should not get this vaccine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to typhoid vaccine before.

Typhoid vaccine should not be given to someone who is a typhoid carrier.

If you have any of these other conditions, your vaccine may need to be delayed or not given at all:

• fever with any type of infection or illness;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (such as hemophilia);
• a weak immune system caused by diseases like HIV/AIDS or cancer; or
• a weak immune system caused by certain medicines like steroids, chemotherapy or radiation.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have a more serious illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with typhoid fever is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Typhim VI may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, body aches;
• tremors, general ill feeling;
• a seizure; or
• feeling light-headed, as if you might pass out.

Common side effects of Typhim VI may include:

• pain, tenderness, redness, or a hard lump where the shot was given;
• headache; or
• tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

You should receive this vaccine at least 2 weeks before your scheduled travel or possible exposure to typhoid.

Typhoid vaccine is recommended for adults and children in the following situations:

• people who travel to countries where typhoid fever is common;
• people who will have long-term exposure to food or water that may be contaminated with typhoid;
• people who live with someone who is a typhoid carrier; and
• laboratory workers who may come into contact with Salmonella typhi in a work setting.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.

The typhoid vaccine is given as a single injection. A booster dose is then recommended every 2 years during possible exposure to typhoid. Your individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Be sure to get a booster dose of this vaccine every 2 years if you are still exposed to typhoid. If you do not get the booster every 2 years, you may not be fully protected against the disease.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to happen.

Along with getting the typhoid vaccine, it's important to take steps while traveling to further reduce the risk of coming into contact with bacteria that cause typhoid fever:

• Avoid eating leafy vegetables like spinach or lettuce, as they are harder to wash properly.
• Avoid eating raw fruits or vegetables that cannot be peeled or that have been peeled by someone else.
• Avoid drinks with ice, or frozen treats and flavored ices that may have been made with contaminated water.
• Avoid eating foods that you have not cooked or prepared yourself. Use clean surfaces and utensils when preparing food.
• Drink only bottled water (carbonated is best) or water that has been boiled for at least 1 minute.
• Avoid any food or drink purchased from a street vendor.

Before getting this vaccine, inform the doctor about all other vaccines you have received recently.

Other drugs may impact typhoid vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Let your doctor know about all other medicines you are using.