What is Typhoid?
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract and blood caused by Salmonella Typhi. It occurs in countries where water and sanitation infrastructure are less well established or maintained than in Australia. Among Australian travellers, those who are visiting friends and relatives in these areas are at particularly high risk.
FAQs
For which countries is typhoid vaccination recommended?
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Typhoid is prevalent in many countries in Asia including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and others. Many parts of Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the Middle East are also affected. Whether or not you need vaccination can depend on the types of food you will be eating, where you will be staying and for how long. Those who are staying with friends and relatives and those who are planning to enjoy street food and roadside restaurants are at particular risk. It’s worth discussing with your travel doctor whether a typhoid vaccination is a good idea for you.
How long before I travel do I need to get the vaccine?
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Around two weeks is usually sufficient time for your body to develop its maximum immune response after vaccination.
How much does the typhoid vaccine cost?
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The cost varies, but most providers have made the injectable typhoid vaccine available at $65 to $70.
What are the risks of typhoid vaccination?
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Adverse effects of typhoid vaccination are usually mild and short-lived. After the injectable vaccine, pain and redness at the injection site can occur in 10 to 20% of people. Around 3% of people experience fever and nausea. Gastrointestinal upset can occur after the oral vaccine, as can a transient rash. Typhoid vaccines, injectable and oral, are associated with very few serious adverse events. Severe allergic reactions are very rare.
How long does the typhoid vaccine last?
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The injectable and three-dose oral typhoid immunisations provide protection for three years.
What to Know
Typhoid symptoms
After an incubation period of five to 21 days, symptoms of fever, fatigue and abdominal pain begin. This may be accompanied by constipation or, in some cases, diarrhoea. In the third week of illness, in a few cases the infection can be complicated by perforation of the intestine.
Typhoid diagnosis and treatment
The infection is diagnosed by isolating the Salmonella Typhi strain of bacteria from blood samples in the laboratory. With effective antibiotic therapy, the vast majority of people recover in the following weeks to months.
Typhoid prevention
Prevention of typhoid fever involves adhering to good food and water hygiene measures while overseas and vaccination for those aged more than two years old. Typhoid immunisation is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule in Australia, so most people don’t consider having it until travelling overseas. Two options are available: an injectable vaccination can be used for anyone over the age of two; and a three or four-dose oral vaccine can be given in those over six years old. A combination vaccine which includes both typhoid and hepatitis A immunisation is available.
Adverse effects of typhoid vaccination are usually mild and short-lived. After the injectable vaccine, pain and redness at the injection site can occur in 10 to 20% of people. Around 3% of people experience fever and nausea. Gastrointestinal upset can occur after the oral vaccine, as can a transient rash. Typhoid vaccines, injectable and oral, are associated with very few serious adverse events. Severe allergic reactions are very rare.
Typhoid immunisation prior to travel provides protection for three years for the injectable and three-dose oral immunisations.