Travel vaccine
Typhoid Vaccine
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caught from food or water contaminated with Salmonella Typhi. It's most common on the Indian subcontinent and other areas with limited sanitation, and a quick vaccine offers valuable protection alongside good food and water hygiene.
Key facts
Who it's for
Travellers to South Asia, Africa and Latin America, especially longer or rural trips
Vaccination course
A single injection (oral capsule course also available)
Minimum age
From 2 years (injectable); from 6 years (oral capsules)
Protection
About 3 years; a booster is needed for continued risk
Effectiveness
Around 50–80% — food and water hygiene is still essential
When to have it
At least 1–2 weeks before travel
What is Typhoid?
Typhoid is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, spread through the faecal–oral route — usually by consuming food or water contaminated by an infected person. Without treatment it can cause a prolonged high fever and, in some cases, serious complications.
It is closely linked to poor sanitation and unsafe water, so risk is highest where these are a problem. The vaccine reduces your chance of becoming ill, but it is not 100% effective, which is why careful food and water hygiene remains just as important on your trip.
Risk areas
Typhoid occurs in many parts of the world but is most common on the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and neighbouring countries), with significant risk also across other parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South America. Risk is greatest where access to clean water and good sanitation is limited.
Risk for travellers
Risk is higher on longer stays, when visiting friends and relatives, when travelling to rural areas, and when eating and drinking outside well-managed hotels and restaurants. Vaccination is recommended for travellers to higher-risk regions, particularly the Indian subcontinent — but because no typhoid vaccine is fully protective, safe eating and drinking habits remain essential.
What are the symptoms of Typhoid?
- A persistent and gradually rising high temperature
- Headache and general aches and pains
- Tiredness and feeling generally unwell
- Tummy pain, constipation or diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Sometimes a faint pink rash
How does the Typhoid Vaccine work?
Most people have the single injectable typhoid vaccine, which protects for about three years. An oral capsule course is also available for those aged 6 and over who prefer it. Combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are an option if you need both. We'll recommend the most suitable choice and confirm timing at your appointment.
Book your appointment for Typhoid Vaccine right now.
Who should have the typhoid vaccine?
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for travellers to areas where the infection is common. It's particularly worth having if you are:
- Travelling to the Indian subcontinent, or to other parts of Asia, Africa or Latin America
- Visiting friends and relatives, or staying for a longer period
- Travelling to rural areas or places with limited sanitation
- Likely to eat and drink outside well-managed hotels and restaurants
The vaccination course
The injectable vaccine is a single dose that protects for around three years; a booster is recommended if you remain at risk. The oral vaccine is a course of capsules taken over several days and completed at least a week before travel.
Whichever you have, allow at least one to two weeks before departure for protection to develop. We'll confirm the best option and timing for you at your appointment.
Possible side effects
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived:
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Headache, tiredness or a mildly raised temperature
- Tummy upset (more often with the oral capsules)
- Serious reactions are very rare
Beyond the vaccine: food and water hygiene
Because no typhoid vaccine is fully protective, safe eating and drinking is essential:
- Drink only bottled, boiled or properly treated water and avoid ice of unknown origin
- Eat freshly prepared food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot
- Avoid salads, peeled fruit prepared by others, and food from street stalls where hygiene is uncertain
- Wash your hands well before eating and after using the toilet
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
By destination
Where we recommend the Typhoid Vaccine
Travelling somewhere specific? This vaccine is commonly advised for these destinations — open any guide for the full travel-health picture.
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