Travel vaccines are recommended for people who travel to or work in some countries. It is important to talk to your health care provider or visit a travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you travel.
Most travel vaccines are not covered by the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP). Check with your local travel clinic to find out the cost.
Bring a record of all the vaccines you have received in the past to the travel clinic. It is important to keep a record of the travel vaccines you receive and take this with you on your trip.
What is typhoid vaccine?
The vaccine helps protect against typhoid disease. This infection is caused by the salmonella typhi bacteria. The vaccine is approved by Health Canada.
Typhoid vaccine will give you some protection against the disease (it is about 50 to 55 percent effective). It is very important to also have good personal hygiene. Take food and drink precautions while you are travelling.
Who should get the vaccine?
People travelling to or working in South Asia including Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bhutan for 3 weeks or more may need to get the vaccine. You are more likely to be exposed to contaminated food and water in these high-risk areas.
If you are travelling to low-risk areas, including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the travel clinic doctor or nurse will tell you if you should receive the vaccine.
The vaccine is also recommended for:
- Workers routinely exposed to typhoid bacteria, such as certain researchers and lab employees
- People who live in the same home or have sexual contact with a typhoid carrier
How is the vaccine given?
The typhoid vaccine is either given orally (given by mouth) or injected (given by needle).
Oral Typhoid Vaccine
Oral Typhoid Vaccine is given as a series of doses in capsule form. Finish the series of doses at least one week before you travel.
Adults and children 5 years of age and older are given 4 doses of the capsule form of vaccine.
The vaccine will be given to you to take at home. The travel clinic will provide instructions on how to take the vaccine. It is important to follow the instructions.
The oral vaccine provides protection against typhoid for about 7 years but provides the best protection up to 4 years. Consider getting immunized again after 4 years if you continue to travel or work in certain areas.
Who should not get the oral vaccine?
Speak with a travel clinic doctor or health care provider if you have:
- Had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of typhoid vaccine, or any component of the vaccine
- An immune system weakened by disease or medical treatment
- A stomach illness with nausea and vomiting
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease or
- If you are pregnant
Typhoid Vaccine Injection
Typhoid Vaccine Injection is for adults and children 2 years of age and older.
You will receive one dose of vaccine given by needle. You should receive the vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel.
The injection vaccine provides protection against typhoid for about 3 years. Consider getting vaccinated again if you continue to travel or work in certain areas.
Who should not get the vaccine injection?
Speak with a travel clinic doctor or health care provider if you have had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of typhoid vaccine or any component of the vaccine.
What are the possible reactions after the vaccine?
Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get typhoid.
Reactions to the typhoid vaccine are usually mild and temporary. Possible reactions to the oral vaccine include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, or skin rash. Possible reactions to the injection include soreness, swelling or redness where the shot was given. Fever and headache are also common.
