Typhoid vaccine (inactivated), injection

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

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

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

The typhoid vaccine will not treat an active infection that you already have, and it will not prevent any disease caused by bacteria other than Salmonella typhi.

Like any vaccine, the typhoid vaccine may not protect everyone from the disease.

You should get this vaccine at least 2 weeks before your planned 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.

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).

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

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to typhoid vaccine in the past.

Typhoid vaccine should not be used in a person who is a typhoid carrier.

If you have any of these other conditions, your vaccine may need to be postponed 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 disease such as HIV/AIDS or cancer; or
• a weak immune system caused by receiving certain medicines such as steroids, chemotherapy or radiation.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving 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 experience after receiving this vaccine. When you get a booster dose, you will need to inform 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.

Typhoid vaccine (inactivated), injection may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away 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 typhoid vaccine (inactivated), injection 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; 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.

Usual Adult Dose for Typhoid Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL, IM, onceComments:-Reimmunization is recommended every 2 years, with a single dose, for travelers with repeated or continued exposure to S. typhi.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Typhoid Prophylaxis:

2 years and older:0.5 mL, IM, onceComments:-Reimmunization is recommended every 2 years, with a single dose, for travelers with repeated or continued exposure to S. typhi.

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, take steps to avoid coming into contact with the bacteria that cause typhoid fever while traveling:

• Avoid eating leafy vegetables like spinach or lettuce, which 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 that contain ice, or frozen treats and flavored ices that may have been made with contaminated water.
• Avoid eating foods 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 beverage purchased from a street vendor.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Other drugs may affect typhoid vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.