Typhoid is a potentially serious infection associated with contaminated food and water. Vaccination may be recommended for travellers visiting places where sanitation is limited, particularly when staying with local communities or travelling beyond usual tourist routes.
This guide explains how destination, accommodation and likely food and water exposure shape the recommendation. For the clinic’s current price, timing and product information, see the typhoid vaccine service page.
Travelling to a typhoid-risk area? Arrange an assessment as early as possible. The injectable vaccine should normally be given at least two weeks before potential exposure, although it may still be considered closer to departure.
What is typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi. It spreads when food or water is contaminated with faeces from an infected person or carrier. Symptoms can include persistent fever, headache, tiredness, abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhoea and loss of appetite.
Without appropriate treatment, typhoid can cause serious complications. Antimicrobial resistance also makes prevention and prompt medical assessment increasingly important.
Who should consider typhoid vaccination?
Vaccination is more likely to be advised when a traveller:
- Will visit a country or area where typhoid is present.
- Will stay with friends, relatives or local communities.
- May have limited access to safe food, clean water or sanitation.
- Will travel for a prolonged period or visit rural areas.
- Has an itinerary that increases exposure to locally prepared food or untreated water.
Risk is particularly important in parts of South Asia, but recommendations vary between and within countries. Check each destination using the current TravelHealthPro country guidance.
Our typhoid vaccine
A clinician will confirm whether typhoid vaccination is appropriate and review your previous doses, departure date, health conditions, medicines and allergies. Current availability and pricing are shown below.
Typhoid vaccination schedule
Typhim Vi is an injectable polysaccharide vaccine licensed for adults and children aged two years and over. It does not contain live bacteria.
Typhoid vaccines
Typhim Vi injectionOne vaccine dose.
Vivotif oral capsulesThree-dose oral course.
The Typhim Vi product information specifies one injected dose at least two weeks before potential exposure. The Vivotif product information specifies one capsule on days 1, 3 and 5, completed at least one week before exposure. Either course is repeated after three years if the person remains at risk.
Injection versus oral capsules
Two types of typhoid vaccine are used in the UK: an injectable Vi polysaccharide vaccine and a live oral vaccine. The oral course consists of three capsules taken on days 1, 3 and 5 and must be completed at least one week before exposure.
The oral vaccine is not suitable for everyone, including some immunosuppressed people, and it can interact with the timing of antibiotics and certain antimalarials. A clinician will explain which options are suitable and currently available.
Food and water precautions still matter
No typhoid vaccine provides complete protection, and vaccination does not prevent paratyphoid or other food- and water-borne infections. Travellers should:
- Use sealed bottled water or appropriately treated water.
- Avoid ice unless its water source is known to be safe.
- Choose food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot.
- Wash hands carefully before eating and after using the toilet.
- Avoid raw produce that cannot be peeled or washed safely.
Side effects and suitability
Common effects after an injectable typhoid vaccine include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle aches, tiredness or feeling unwell. These are usually short-lived.
Vaccination may need to be postponed during an acute febrile illness. Previous serious vaccine reactions, pregnancy, immune conditions, medicines and age must be assessed before vaccination.
Is typhoid vaccination available through the NHS?
Typhoid is one of the travel vaccines that may be available through the NHS when clinically indicated. Availability and appointment times vary between GP practices. Read our Southampton guide to NHS and private travel vaccines.
If your GP cannot provide the vaccine within the time available, private assessment and vaccination may be an option.
Book a typhoid vaccine in Southampton
Southampton Travel Clinic’s approach
Complete our online travel-health assessment with every destination, departure date, planned activity, health condition, medicine, allergy and previous vaccine dose.
A clinician will review your risk and explain whether typhoid vaccination is appropriate. Vaccination is provided face to face at our Southampton travel clinic in Bitterne.
Official sources and further reading
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