Do You Need A Typhoid Vaccine Before Travelling?

When you are travelling overseas, you will often be recommended various vaccinations, of which typhoid is one. 

While there are many countries where it is advisable to receive the typhoid vaccine before travelling, it is most commonly recommended for anyone who is planning to visit the following countries or regions:

• Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh and Pakistan
• Africa
• South America

In this blog, we’re going to explain what typhoid is, why it’s advisable to get vaccinated and what you need to know about the typhoid vaccine itself. 

What is typhoid?

Typhoid, which is also known as typhoid fever, is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. The illness is usually contracted through contaminated food or water, and it can be very serious, especially if it is not treated quickly.

Among the symptoms of typhoid fever are headaches, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea and, as the name suggests, a prolonged fever. There are antibiotics that can treat the infection, but antibiotic resistance is a concern in some parts of the world.

If it is treated early, most people make a full recovery from typhoid within a few weeks. In some cases, however, complications can arise which may mean you need additional treatment to help you fight off the illness.

Given how serious typhoid can be, it makes sense to have a typhoid vaccine before you travel if you can.

How long does the typhoid vaccine last?

The good news is that the typhoid vaccine will typically last for three years. It is administered in a single injection, which is usually given in the top of the arm of your non-dominant hand. You can get the typhoid vaccine from a travel clinic pharmacy. 

You can also be vaccinated against typhoid orally, with a series of three capsules of the vaccine that need to be taken over the course of four days. 

How long do you need to have the typhoid vaccine before travelling? 

Although the typhoid vaccine is given in a single dose if injected, or over four days if taken orally, it is important to have your vaccine at least two weeks before you travel to give your body time to build up the antibodies it needs to effectively fight off the bacteria.

That said, the typhoid vaccine does not provide guaranteed protection, which means you should still take precautions to prevent you from catching typhoid in the first instance. 

How can you prevent typhoid?

The best advice for preventing typhoid fever is to practice good food and water hygiene when you’re travelling. That means you should only drink bottled water and ensure that you use bottled water to clean your teeth too.

Basic personal hygiene is equally as important for preventing typhoid, which means washing your hands thoroughly after you have been to the bathroom and before you prepare any food. 

Making sure that any food you eat is hot and has been properly cooked through is also advisable. 

It is also recommended that you avoid having ice in your drinks, as well as avoid eating fresh fruits or salads that may have been rinsed with tap water. Dairy products made from unpasteurised milk can also carry the bacteria, so are best avoided.