Vaccination
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Getting vaccinated
If you are traveling to a country where typhoid is common, you should consider being vaccinated against typhoid. Visit a doctor or travel clinic to discuss your vaccination options. See Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for more information.
Remember that you will need to complete your vaccination at least 1-2 weeks (dependent upon vaccine type) before you travel so that the vaccine has time to take effect. Typhoid vaccines lose effectiveness after several years; if you were vaccinated in the past, check with your doctor to see if it is time for a booster vaccination. Taking antibiotics will not prevent typhoid fever; they only help treat it.
The chart below provides basic information on typhoid vaccines that are available in the United States.
| Vaccine Name | How Given | Number of Doses Necessary | Time Between Doses | Time immunization should be completed by (before possible exposure) | Minimum Age For Vaccination | Booster Needed Every… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ty21a (Vivotif Berna, Swiss Serum and Vaccine Institute) | 1 capsule by mouth | 4 | 2 days | 1 week | 6 years | 5 years |
| ViCPS (Typhim Vi, Pasteur Merieux) | Injection | 1 | N/A | 2 weeks | 2 years | 2 years |
The parenteral heat-phenol-inactivated vaccine (manufactured by Wyeth-Ayerst) has been discontinued.
Vaccine and Travel Information
- Page last reviewed: March 25, 2013
- Page last updated: May 14, 2013
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