Typhoid fever is a severe acute illness caused by the consumption of food or water contaminated by typhoid bacteria. The typhoid fever vaccine can lower the risk of infection if you’re travelling to places where it is common. Find out more about looking after your travel health before your departure and how to get the typhoid vaccine in Leicester.

How long is the typhoid vaccine good for?

The typhoid vaccine loses its effectiveness over time, and it is imperative to receive it at least one month before your trip.

You may also get the vaccination closer to your departure date if necessary.

The longevity of the typhoid vaccine depends on the type of vaccine.

• Typhoid pill (inactivated vaccine)

If you have received typhoid pills, you’ll need four doses every other day for a week, accompanied by the last dose taken at least one week before departure and a booster dose every five years.

• Injection (live vaccine)

If you have received an injection, you’ll require only one dose at least two weeks before travel, followed by a booster dose every two years.

Booster vaccinations are ultimately required every 2 to 3 years if you plan to stay in a high-risk environment contaminated with typhoid bacteria.

How many injections do you need for typhoid in Leicester?

There are two different typhoid vaccines – an injectable vaccine and an oral vaccine.

1. The injectable vaccine is also called the Vi vaccine:

• • It is an inactivated vaccine given as a single injection, and it is recommended to be taken at least two weeks before your international trip.
  • Children 2 years of age or less cannot have this vaccine.

2. The oral vaccine is also known as the Ty21a vaccine:

• • It is a live vaccine given as four pills/ capsules every other day, and it is recommended to be taken at least a week before travel.
  • Children 5 years of age or less cannot have this vaccine.

Neither of these vaccines is fully effective; that’s why you should take all the necessary recommendations before consumption of anything abroad.

Being attentive to hygiene is crucial to keep you from getting infected even though you’re fully vaccinated.

Can you get typhoid after vaccination?

The goal of each vaccine is to boost your immunity against the disease.

Typhoid vaccines safeguard against typhoid fever, but they don’t do much good in areas where the disease is prevalent, especially for children.

Protection methods against typhoid are currently unknown, making it impossible to estimate the efficacy of vaccines against typhoid.

If you were previously vaccinated, check with your GP or travel health professional to see the booster options for you before travel.

Antibiotics help treat typhoid fever, but they won’t stop it from happening in the first place.

It’s essential to get your immunisation at least a week before your trip so that it has time to take action and protect you.

Which countries do you need the typhoid vaccination for?

Travellers planning to visit developing countries, where the likelihood of coming into contact with contaminated food or water is higher, are required to get the typhoid vaccine.

Over the course of the past decade, Asia, Africa, and Latin America have been particularly susceptible to risk.

South Asia has the highest prevalence of typhoid fever. Here is the list of some countries with increased rates of typhoid infection:

•     Africa
•     Asia
•     Caribbean
•     Central America
•     South America

If your risk of contracting typhoid bacteria remains high, booster shots are advised every two to three years.

What are the potential risks associated with the typhoid vaccine?

Some individuals have transient discomfort, redness, swelling, or hardness at the injection site after getting the typhoid fever vaccine.

Less common side effects include:

• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Feeling sick
• Diarrhoea

It is uncommon for either typhoid vaccine to cause a severe reaction.

Make sure that your immunisation against typhoid fever is up-to-date before you travel.

To schedule a typhoid vaccine in Leicester, contact Leicester Travel Clinic now.

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This blog post was written on behalf of Leicester Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.