Typhoid Oral Vaccine

What is the Oral Typhoid Vaccine?

The Oral Typhoid vaccine helps protect against typhoid fever, a bacterial infection that can cause serious illness and is commonly found in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and the Middle East.

Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi and is usually spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms can include high fever, headache, stomach pain, diarrhoea or constipation, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Without treatment, typhoid can lead to serious complications and may require hospitalisation.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of typhoid fever when travelling to areas where the disease is present.

The Oral Typhoid vaccine is available following a travel health consultation with our qualified travel health team.

It is suitable for adults and children aged 5 years and over.

What Does the Oral Typhoid Vaccine Protect Against?

The Oral Typhoid vaccine protects against typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi.

The disease is commonly spread through:

• Contaminated food
• Contaminated drinking water
• Poor sanitation and hygiene
• Food prepared by an infected person
• Travelling in areas where typhoid is common

Risk levels vary depending on:

• Your destination
• Length of travel
• Type of accommodation
• Access to safe food and drinking water
• Planned activities
• Local sanitation conditions

Our clinicians will assess your itinerary and advise whether vaccination is recommended.

Who Should Consider the Oral Typhoid Vaccine?

The vaccine may be recommended for:

• Travellers visiting countries where typhoid fever is common
• Backpackers and long-term travellers
• People visiting friends and relatives overseas
• Humanitarian aid workers and volunteers
• Adventure travellers
• Travellers staying in rural or remote areas
• Individuals likely to have limited access to safe food and drinking water
• Travellers who prefer an oral vaccine rather than an injection

Recommendations vary according to destination and individual risk factors.

Who May Not Be Suitable?

This vaccine may not be suitable if you:

• Have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients
• Are currently unwell with a high temperature
• Have a weakened immune system
• Are taking certain antibiotics or medications that may affect the vaccine
• Have certain medical conditions requiring individual assessment

Our clinicians will review your medical history before vaccination.

Vaccination Schedule

The Oral Typhoid vaccine is administered as a course of four capsules.

Primary Vaccination

• Capsule 1: Day 1
• Capsule 2: Day 3
• Capsule 3: Day 5
• Capsule 4: Day 7

The capsules are taken on alternate days and should be swallowed whole with cool or lukewarm water approximately one hour before a meal.

The vaccination course should be completed at least 1 week before potential exposure to typhoid fever.

The most appropriate timing will be discussed during your consultation.

Ideally, travellers should begin the course at least 2 weeks before departure to allow sufficient time to complete all four capsules and develop protection before travel.

For the best possible protection, the full course should be completed before travel.

Booster Doses

For individuals who remain at ongoing risk of typhoid exposure, a booster course is recommended every 3 years.

This may be particularly important for:

• Frequent travellers to typhoid-endemic regions
• Long-term travellers
• Humanitarian aid workers and volunteers
• Individuals regularly visiting friends and relatives in higher-risk countries

Your clinician will advise whether a booster course is required based on your vaccination history and future travel plans.

Benefits of the Oral Typhoid Vaccine

• Helps protect against typhoid fever
• Reduces the risk of serious travel-related illness
• Provides an alternative to injectable vaccination
• Recommended for many international destinations
• Suitable for adults and children aged 5 years and over
• Administered following a professional travel health assessment

Travel Health Advice

Vaccination should be combined with sensible food and water precautions.

Additional measures include:

• Drinking bottled, boiled, or appropriately treated water
• Avoiding ice in drinks where water safety is uncertain
• Eating thoroughly cooked food served hot
• Avoiding raw or undercooked foods
• Practising good hand hygiene
• Following local health advice
• Even if vaccinated, travellers should continue to take precautions to avoid contaminated food and water.

Possible Side Effects

Like all vaccines, the Oral Typhoid vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Fatigue

These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet provided with your vaccination course.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before travel should I start the Oral Typhoid vaccine?

Ideally, you should start the course at least 2 weeks before travel. This allows sufficient time to complete all four capsules and develop protection before departure.

How do I take the capsules?

The capsules should be taken on alternate days, swallowed whole with cool or lukewarm water approximately one hour before a meal. They should not be chewed.

How long does protection last?

Protection lasts for approximately 3 years following completion of the course. Individuals who remain at risk may require a booster course every 3 years.

Do I need a booster course?

If you continue to travel to areas where typhoid fever is common, a booster course is recommended every 3 years.

Can I have the Oral Typhoid vaccine with other travel vaccines?

Yes. In many cases, the Oral Typhoid vaccine can be given alongside other recommended travel vaccinations. Your clinician will advise on the most appropriate schedule.

Do I need the vaccine for my destination?

Requirements vary depending on your destination, length of stay, accommodation, and planned activities. Our travel health team will provide personalised advice during your consultation.

Are there any side effects?

Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as stomach upset, nausea, headache, or fatigue.