Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Typhoid Vaccine

Typhoid Vaccine for Travel

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Typhoid

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, typically contracted through the consumption of contaminated food or water. A related illness, paratyphoid fever, is caused by Salmonella Paratyphi. While generally less severe, paratyphoid presents with similar clinical symptoms. The majority of typhoid cases occur in Asia, but the disease is also reported in parts of Africa, and Central and South America. Travellers to regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water are at increased risk and should consider vaccination as a preventative measure.

Vaccination Pricing

£40 Per dose
£40 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of typhoid and paratyphoid include:

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Muscle or joint pains

  • Constipation or diarrhoea

  • Rash

  • Complications include intestinal bleeding and perforation

Hawne Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 0121 501 3518

Bills Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01384 872117

Millard and Bullock Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01902 883 182

The Vaccination – Typhoid injection

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
2 – 85 1 7 – 10 days 3 years

The Vaccination – Oral Typhoid

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
6 – 85 1 0 ,2, 4 days 10 days See specialist pharmacist

Hepatits A & Typhoid Combined vaccine

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
16 – 85 1 1 – 2 weeks preferably but anytime ok* Hep A booster only given at 6-12 months after 1st dose

*The vaccine will be at its most effective if it’s given time to become active. Some immunity will be provided if you get it up to the day before travel.

Typhoid fever is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. It primarily affects the gastrointestinal system and spreads through contaminated food or water. Once inside the body, the bacteria multiply and spread into the bloodstream, causing a systemic illness. Typhoid is more prevalent in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water, particularly in parts of South Asia, Africa, and South America. The illness can range from mild to severe and, without treatment, can lead to serious complications such as intestinal perforation or internal bleeding. While it is treatable with antibiotics, increasing resistance to these medications in some regions makes prevention through vaccination and good hygiene practices especially important. In countries like the UK, typhoid is rare and usually associated with international travel.

Typhoid spreads via the faecal-oral route, meaning it is contracted when a person consumes food or water contaminated with the faeces or urine of someone infected with the bacteria. This commonly occurs in areas where sewage systems and water treatment are inadequate. Street food, raw or undercooked shellfish, unwashed fruit and vegetables, and unboiled water are all potential sources of infection. To prevent typhoid, travellers to high-risk regions should be vaccinated before departure. Two types of vaccines are available: an injectable inactivated vaccine and an oral live-attenuated vaccine. Both offer protection, though neither is 100% effective, so additional precautions are necessary. These include drinking bottled or boiled water, avoiding ice, eating food that is freshly cooked and hot, and steering clear of raw produce unless you can peel it yourself. Rigorous hand hygiene, especially before eating, is also critical to reducing risk.

Symptoms of typhoid fever usually develop between 6 to 30 days after exposure and can come on gradually. The illness often begins with a persistent high fever, which can reach up to 40°C (104°F). Other common symptoms include headache, weakness, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and a dry cough. Some individuals may develop a distinctive rose-coloured rash on the abdomen. If left untreated, typhoid can worsen over the course of a few weeks, leading to severe complications such as intestinal perforation, internal bleeding, and sepsis, all of which require urgent medical intervention. In rare cases, inflammation of the brain or heart may occur. With prompt antibiotic treatment, most people recover fully within a few weeks. However, some individuals can continue to carry the bacteria without showing symptoms, unknowingly spreading the disease to others.

The protection offered by typhoid vaccines varies depending on the type administered. The injectable typhoid vaccine (Vi polysaccharide) generally provides protection for about three years, after which a booster dose is recommended if travel to high-risk areas continues. The oral typhoid vaccine (Ty21a), taken in capsule form over several days, provides immunity for around five years, but it is not suitable for everyone, such as young children or those with weakened immune systems. Neither vaccine guarantees full protection, which is why travellers must still follow strict food and water precautions. It’s important to get vaccinated at least one to two weeks before travel to allow immunity to develop fully. Consult with a healthcare provider or travel clinic to determine the most appropriate vaccine based on your age, health status, and destination.

Typhoid vaccination is recommended for anyone travelling to areas where the disease is common, particularly in parts of South Asia (including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal), Africa, Central and South America, and some parts of Southeast Asia. The risk is especially high for those visiting friends and relatives in rural areas, backpacking, or staying in locations without access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation. Even short-term visitors can be at risk if they consume contaminated food or water. Some countries may also require proof of vaccination for certain types of travel, such as long-term stays or work in healthcare or humanitarian settings. Before travelling, it’s essential to check the latest guidance for your destination from a reliable source such as NHS Fit for Travel or consult a qualified travel health specialist.

Typhoid vaccines are generally safe and well tolerated. The most common side effects from the injectable vaccine include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, along with mild fever or headache. These symptoms are usually short-lived. The oral vaccine may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or abdominal discomfort, especially if not taken correctly. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. Neither vaccine contains live Salmonella Typhi capable of causing typhoid fever in healthy individuals (the oral vaccine is live-attenuated, meaning it has been weakened and is safe for most). It’s important to disclose any allergies, immune conditions, or ongoing medications before vaccination. Overall, the risk of side effects is minimal compared to the potentially severe consequences of contracting typhoid fever while abroad.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

We’re Waiting To Help You

The West Midlands Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

Contact us today to get your and your loved ones protected.

Same Day Appointments

We are pleased to offer same-day appointments at the West Midlands Travel Clinic, to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care when you need it most.

Expert Pharmacists

Our team includes expert pharmacists who are dedicated to providing you with personalised and professional healthcare advice.

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

Striving to cover all your health and medical treatment requirements

We offer a wide range of medical treatments for you and your loved ones.