Typhoid Vaccination
Typhoid fever is a highly contagious and potentially lethal disease, which spreads via contaminated foods and water. As typhoid bacteria are primarily found in faeces, the infection is particularly common in regions with poor sanitation.
Prices
Price per dose: £30
Doses per course: 1
Prices per course: £30
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About the vaccine
When to get vaccinated: At least two weeks before travel. It can also be given closer to your travel date but this leaves you at a greater risk of contracting the disease.
How it is given: There are two different typhoid vaccines. One is an injection, the other consists of a course of capsules. Which vaccine is suitable for you depends on your age and medical history.
Course: One dose if you receive the typhoid injection. The oral vaccine consists of three capsules taken over a course of five days.
Boosters: The typhoid vaccine protects you for three years. After that, you will need a booster if you travel to a risk area.
Side effects: Side effects of the vaccine can include fever, soreness at the injection site and digestive problems.
Children: The vaccine is suitable for children over the age of two. Additional precautions: In addition to getting vaccinated, you need to practise food safety.
Risk if you contract typhoid: Typhoid causes similar symptoms as food poisoning. If it is not immediately diagnosed and treated it can lead to permanent disabilities or death.
Before the appointment: Don’t eat for one hour before your appointment if you are taking the oral vaccine which consists of capsules.
About the typhoid vaccine
In the UK, there are two different typhoid vaccines available. One is administered orally, while the other is given as an intramuscular injection. The oral vaccine comprises three capsules, to be taken on alternate days. It’s important to note that this type of vaccine is not suitable for individuals with a weakened immune system and is not recommended for children.
Trident Pharmacy offers the oral vaccine only for patients who cannot receive the injection.
The typhoid vaccine may produce side effects in some individuals. Common side effects include soreness, swelling, and redness at the injection site. It’s also quite common to experience a high temperature after receiving the injection. Less common side effects of the vaccine may include abdominal pain, headache, nausea, and diarrhoea.
Trident Pharmacy provides the typhoid injection, which is suitable for children aged two and older. This vaccine offers protection for three years and consists of a single dose to be administered two weeks before entering a country with a high risk of typhoid. In cases where the injection is not suitable, the oral vaccination is also available.
The typhoid vaccine offers effective protection and is recommended when travelling to a country with a high incidence of typhoid. It’s worth noting that typhoid fever is not common in the UK, with only 500 cases reported each year. Most people who contract the infection do so while visiting relatives in countries such as Bangladesh, India, or Pakistan, as noted by the NHS.
What is typhoid?
Typhoid fever is caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi. It is a highly contagious and potentially lethal disease, which spreads via contaminated foods and water. As typhoid bacteria are primarily found in faeces, the infection is particularly common in regions with poor sanitation. Common symptoms of typhoid fever include a high temperature, headaches, nausea, muscle pain, digestion problems such as constipation or diarrhoea, tiredness and confusion. Some patients also experience a rash.
Preventing typhoid
While travelling through an area with a high typhoid incidence, you should follow some simple rules to avoid an infection with typhoid fever. Avoid eating raw vegetables and fruit, especially if they have been cut. It is also advisable to wash hands frequently, especially before preparing food and eating. The most common source of infection is contaminated water.
In order to prevent typhoid, you should stick to drinking bottled or boiled water. The typhoid vaccine is very effective at preventing the illness. If you are travelling to an area with a high risk of typhoid and hepatitis A, we can offer a combined vaccination course which covers both conditions.
Risk Countries
Typhoid is a rare occurrence in the UK and most European countries. The infection is prevalent in various parts of the African continent, Central America, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. It is also endemic in regions of South America and Asia. You can determine whether you need protection against typhoid in the country you plan to visit by checking for the specific country’s status.
According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 21 million people suffer from typhoid each year, with the majority of cases concentrated in Asia. One of the most recent significant outbreaks of typhoid was reported in the Republic of Congo in 2005, involving over 40,000 cases of typhoid fever and resulting in 214 deaths.
Effective typhoid treatment should commence as soon as possible after infection to prevent complications. Typhoid tablets typically contain an antibiotic that targets and eliminates the bacteria. Patients often experience an improvement in their condition within a few days. If typhoid is left untreated, it can be fatal. Additionally, the infection is known to cause physical and mental disabilities if not treated promptly or if there are delays in treatment. Infected individuals can continue to spread the bacteria even after their symptoms have subsided.