Typhoid vaccination Service

About Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease that spreads through contaminated food and water. The bacteria responsible for typhoid are primarily found in feces, making the infection particularly prevalent in areas with poor sanitation.

Vaccine Details

• Timing of Vaccination: It is recommended to get vaccinated at least two weeks before traveling to a region where typhoid is prevalent. While the vaccine can be administered closer to your travel date, doing so may increase your risk of contracting the disease.

• Administration Methods: There are two types of typhoid vaccines available:

  • Injection: Suitable for most individuals.
  • Oral Vaccine: A course of three capsules taken over five days.

The choice between the injection and the oral vaccine depends on your age and medical history.

• Vaccination Course:

  • Injection (From 2 Years Old): One Injection
  • Oral Vaccine(From 5 Years Old): Three capsules taken over five days.

• Booster Shots: The typhoid vaccine provides protection for three years. After this period, you will need a booster if you plan to travel to a high-risk area.

• Potential Side Effects: Common side effects include fever, soreness at the injection site, and digestive issues.

• Suitability for Children: The vaccine is safe for children aged two years and older.

Additional Considerations

• Preventative Measures: In addition to vaccination, practicing food safety is essential to avoid typhoid infection.

• Health Risks of Contracting Typhoid: Typhoid fever presents symptoms similar to food poisoning. If not promptly diagnosed and treated, it can lead to serious complications, including permanent disabilities or death.

• Pre-Appointment Instructions: If you are receiving the oral vaccine, avoid eating for one hour before your appointment.

Typhoid Vaccination Options in the UK

Available Vaccines

In the UK, there are two types of typhoid vaccines:

1. Oral Vaccine: This vaccine consists of three capsules taken on alternate days. It is not suitable for individuals with weakened immune systems and is not recommended for children. At Superdrug travel clinics, the oral vaccine is only offered to patients who cannot receive the injection.

2. Intramuscular Injection: This vaccine is administered as a single dose via injection. It is suitable for children aged two and older and provides protection for three years. The injection should ideally be administered at least two weeks before traveling to a region with a high risk of typhoid.

Side Effects

The typhoid vaccine may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects of the injection include:

• Soreness, swelling, and redness around the injection site
• A high temperature

Less common side effects include:

• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Vaccine Availability at Superdrug Travel Clinics

Superdrug travel clinics primarily provide the typhoid injection, which is suitable for most patients, including children from the age of two. For those who cannot receive the injection, the oral vaccine is available as an alternative.

Why Get Vaccinated?

The typhoid vaccine is highly effective and strongly recommended for anyone traveling to countries with a high incidence of typhoid fever. Although typhoid fever is rare in the UK, with only around 500 cases reported annually, most infections occur in individuals who travel to visit relatives in Bangladesh, India, or Pakistan. Vaccination is a crucial step in protecting yourself from this potentially severe disease.