Typhoid vaccine (Intramuscular)

Typhoid vaccine is used to prevent typhoid fever caused by a germ called Salmonella typhi. The vaccine helps your body create its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.

Typhoid fever is a serious illness that can be fatal. It is mostly spread through infected food or water. Typhoid can also be transmitted by close contact with infected individuals (like those living in the same household). Some infected people may not show any symptoms, but they can still spread the germ to others.

Typhoid fever is very rare in the U.S. and in other places with good water and sewage systems. However, it is a concern in parts of the world that lack these systems. If you are traveling to certain countries or remote areas, typhoid vaccine will help protect you from typhoid fever. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommend caution in the following areas of the world:

• Africa
• Asia
• Latin America

Typhoid vaccine given by injection helps prevent typhoid fever, but it does not provide 100% protection. Therefore, it is very important to avoid infected people and food and water that may be contaminated, even if you have received the vaccine.

This vaccine should only be given by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects (for example, feeling faint) that happen after you get this vaccine.

This vaccine can cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical help. Contact your doctor right away if you notice a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or difficulty breathing after the injection.

Typhoid vaccine may not protect everyone who gets it. This vaccine will not treat any symptoms if you already have typhoid fever.

Let your doctor know if you are taking any medicine or treatment that weakens your immune system, like a steroid, radiation, or cancer treatment. This vaccine may not be as effective if you are using these medicines. However, your doctor may still recommend the vaccine because it can provide some protection.

In deciding to use a vaccine, you and your doctor will evaluate the risks of the vaccine against its benefits. For this vaccine, please consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other types of allergies, like to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems that would limit the use of typhoid vaccine in children aged 2 years and older. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for children younger than 2 years.

Geriatric

There is no information available regarding the effects of typhoid vaccine in older adults.

Breast Feeding

Research indicates that this medication poses minimal risk to infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other situations, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In these cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around mealtimes, or with certain types of food, due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect the use of this vaccine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially:

• Severe illness with fever—Use with caution. The symptoms of this condition may be mistaken for the side effects of the vaccine.

• Problems with the immune system due to a disease or medication—The vaccine may not work as effectively in patients with this condition.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Fever
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• pain, redness, swelling, tenderness or a lump at the place of injection
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• fainting
• hives, itching, or redness of the skin
• swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Headache
• nausea

Less common

• Diarrhea
• difficulty in moving
• joint pain or swelling
• muscle aches, cramps, pain, or stiffness
• vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Typhim Vi
• Typhoid Vi Polysaccharide Vaccine

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this vaccine. It is given as a shot into one of your muscles, usually in the upper arm.

To get the best possible protection against typhoid, you should receive the vaccine at least 2 weeks before you travel to areas where you may be exposed to typhoid.

If you will be traveling regularly to parts of the world where typhoid is a problem, you should get a booster (repeat) dose of the vaccine every 2 years.