Typhoid vaccination is a proactive medication that helps prevent typhoid fever. It’s a routine vaccination for kids and a travel recommendation for both kids and adults. Here’s all the information you may need on Typhoid vaccination.
When Should You Get The Vaccine?
If you have immediate travel plans, you should visit your healthcare provider at least 15 days before you travel. There are two kinds of typhoid vaccination available globally:
Oral vaccine: can be taken by kids and adults over six years old. The dosage should be completed one week before travelling. There are four pills in all, and you should take them every alternate day.
Injectable vaccine: injections are more common than oral medication. Injections can be given from 2 to any age, and you should get your dosage at least two weeks before travelling.
Typhoid vaccinations are great for preventing typhoid fever. However, they aren’t foolproof. If you travel to areas prone to typhoid fever, you must take other preventive measures. Safe eating and drinking habits can go a long way to keeping you healthy while travelling.
Typhoid High-Risk Areas
Although Typhoid fever can be found globally, a few areas are more prone to it due to poor hygiene and sanitisation.
High-risk Areas:
- Indian subcontinent
- Africa
- South and Southeast Asia
- South America
Vaccination is necessary if you travel to any of the regions mentioned above. The typhoid vaccination and a few other travel vaccinations should be on top of your travelling to-do list.
What Should Your Healthcare Provider Know Before Administering The Vaccination?
Here are a few things you should notify your healthcare provider before going for the typhoid vaccination.
- Whether you have an active infection with fever.
- Any bleeding disorder
- HIV or AIDS
- Immunity issues
- Low blood counts
- Radiation therapy
- Blood clotting issues and medication
- Allergic to vaccination
- Pregnancy
- Breast-feeding
Does Typhoid Vaccination Have Any Side Effects?
Yes, the vaccination does have side effects, but not everyone is prone to them. However, if you experience the following, notify your healthcare professional immediately.
Rash, itching or hives, swelling around the face, lips, and tongue: Allergic reactions need immediate medical attention.
Some mild side effects can be:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
- Bearable or mild muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
If these side effects become extreme, contact your healthcare professional for assistance.
Preventive Measures
Typhoid vaccination is a preventive measure that helps you stay safe while travelling. But a few more tips and tricks can keep you from getting infected with typhoid.
- You are drinking bottled water only. Avoid drinking from public water sources like taps and such. Always carry your sealed water bottle with you while travelling. While at home in a foreign country, you can also use boiled water.
- Avoid adding ice to your drink when eating out, especially when consuming street food. Avoid eating ice cream on the streets altogether.
- While travelling, avoiding uncooked food like sushi and raw vegetables is better. Peeled and washed vegetables are good to consume.
- Avoid seafood, salads, and shellfish altogether.
Travelling to different countries should be the highlight of your life. So, ensure all your vaccinations, including typhoid vaccinations, are in order before you travel.
