Typhoid Vi Polysaccharide Vaccine (Intramuscular)

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

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

Typhoid fever is very uncommon in the U.S. and other places with good water and sewage systems. However, it is a concern in areas without such systems. If you are traveling to certain countries or remote areas, the typhoid vaccine will help protect you from typhoid fever. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommend caution in the following regions:

• Africa
• Asia
• Latin America

The 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 another health care professional.

Be sure to inform 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 experience a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or trouble breathing after receiving the injection.

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

Let your doctor know if you are taking a medicine or treatment that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid, radiation, or cancer treatment. This vaccine may not work as effectively if you are using these medicines. However, your doctor may still recommend getting the vaccine because it can offer some protection.

In deciding to use a vaccine, you must consider the risks of the vaccine against the benefits it provides. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. For this vaccine, keep the following in mind:

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 provider know if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

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

Geriatric

No information is available about how age affects the effects of the typhoid vaccine in older patients.

Breast Feeding

Research in women suggests that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

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

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare provider the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

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

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

• Immune system issues from a disease or medicine—It may not work as well 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.