typhoid vaccine (live), oral

What is the most important information I should know about typhoid vaccine?

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What is typhoid vaccine?

Typhoid vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. Although not part of a routine immunization schedule in the U.S., typhoid vaccine is recommended for:

• people who travel to area where typhoid fever is common (especially Asia, Africa, and Central or South America);
• people who live with someone who is a typhoid carrier; and
• laboratory workers who may come into contact with Salmonella typhi in a work setting.

This vaccine works by exposing you to a small amount of the bacteria, which causes your body to develop immunity to the disease.

Typhoid vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body, and will not prevent any disease caused by bacteria other than Salmonella typhi.

Like any vaccine, the typhoid vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving typhoid vaccine?

• a fever with any type of infection or illness; or
• weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine.

If you have any of these other conditions, your vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all:

• stomach flu or any illness with vomiting or diarrhea;
• if you are taking an antibiotic, especially a sulfa drug; or
• if you plan to start taking anti-malaria medicine within 10 days after receiving a typhoid oral vaccine.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take typhoid vaccine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take each capsule according to the recommended schedule or this vaccine may not be effective. Plan ahead so that you complete all doses at least 1 week before you enter a typhoid risk area. The timing of this vaccination is very important for it to be effective.

Take the capsule every other day on an empty stomach for 7 days (total of 4 capsules), at least 1 hour before eating. You will need to skip a day between capsules. Follow all instructions on the medicine package.

Swallow the capsule as quickly as possible after placing it in your mouth.

This vaccine should be effective for up to 5 years. You may need to take another series of 4 capsules every 5 years if you continue to be exposed to typhoid. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Be sure to receive another series of 4 capsules every 5 years during continued exposure to typhoid.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur when taken as directed.

What should I avoid before or after using typhoid vaccine?

Avoid eating anything for at least 1 hour after you take a capsule.

In addition to using this vaccine, take precautions while traveling to further prevent coming into contact with bacteria that cause typhoid fever:

• Avoid eating leafy vegetables such as spinach or lettuce, which are harder to wash properly.
• Avoid eating raw fruits or vegetables that cannot be peeled, or that have been peeled by another person.
• Avoid drinks that contain ice, or frozen treats and flavored ices that may have been made with contaminated water.
• Avoid eating foods you have not cooked or prepared yourself. Use clean surfaces and utensils when preparing food.
• Drink only bottled water (carbonated is best) or water that has been boiled for at least 1 minute.
• Avoid any food or beverage purchased from a street vendor.

What are the possible side effects of typhoid vaccine?

Becoming infected with typhoid fever is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Common side effects include:

• fever;
• headache;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain; or
• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

What other drugs will affect typhoid vaccine?

Before using this vaccine, tell your doctor about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Other drugs may affect typhoid vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Where can I get more information?

Your vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.