Typhoid vaccine

Typhoid vaccines are vaccines that prevent typhoid fever. There are two types that are widely available: Ty21a (a live vaccine given by mouth) and Vi capsular polysaccharide vaccine (an injectable subunit vaccine). They are about 30 to 70% effective for during the first two years depending on the specific vaccine in question.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccinating all children in areas where the disease is common. Otherwise they recommend vaccinating those at high risk. Vaccination campaigns can also be used to control outbreaks of disease. Depending on the situation additional doses are recommended every one to seven years. In the United States the vaccine is only recommended in those at high risk such as travellers to areas of the world where the disease is common.

The current vaccines are very safe. Minor side effects may occur at the site of injection. The injectable vaccine is safe in HIV/AIDS and the oral vaccine can be used as long as symptoms are not present. Safety of the oral vaccine during pregnancy is unclear.