About the Typhoid Vaccine
When Should You Get the Typhoid Vaccine
We recommend receiving the typhoid vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel to areas where typhoid fever is common. This allows your body enough time to build effective protection.
If you are travelling at short notice, vaccination may still be beneficial. Our specialised nurses will assess your itinerary, destination risk, and travel timing to advise whether vaccination is appropriate.
Vaccine Schedule
The typhoid vaccine most commonly used in the UK is given as a single injection.
Adults and children over 2 years: 1 dose
This provides effective protection for most travellers.
Booster Requirements
A booster dose is recommended every 3 years for those who continue to travel to higher-risk regions.
Our specialised nurses will confirm whether a booster is required based on your travel history and future plans.
How the Typhoid Vaccine Is Given
The typhoid vaccine is administered as an injection in the upper arm during your appointment.
The process is quick and typically completed as part of a 15-minute consultation with one of our specialised nurses.
How Long Does the Typhoid Vaccine Last
The injectable typhoid vaccine provides protection for up to 3 years.
A booster dose is needed after this period to maintain protection if travel risk continues.
Possible Side Effects
Most people tolerate the typhoid vaccine well. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived.
Possible side effects include:
- Soreness or redness at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Headache or muscle aches
Serious side effects are rare. Our specialised nurses will discuss potential side effects and answer any questions before vaccination.
Who Can Have the Typhoid Vaccine
The typhoid vaccine is suitable for:
- Adults
- Children aged 2 years and over
Your medical history will be reviewed by a specialised nurse to ensure the vaccine is safe and appropriate for you.
Certificate Requirements
There are no certification requirements for the typhoid vaccine. It is not required for entry into any country but is recommended for travel to higher-risk destinations.
Risk If You Contract Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection that can cause prolonged illness and complications affecting the bowel and bloodstream.
Without prompt treatment, typhoid fever can lead to severe complications and may be life-threatening. Vaccination helps significantly reduce this risk when travelling.
Our London Travel Clinics
We have four central London travel clinics in Liverpool Street, London Bridge, High Street Kensington, and Mayfair, convenient for anyone living or working in the city. We are open early mornings, lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends, providing all essential travel vaccinations and medications.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Typhoid Vaccine
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spread through contaminated food or water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.
Typhoid is spread by consuming contaminated food or water, or through poor hand hygiene after contact with an infected person.
Typhoid fever is common in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, especially where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.
Symptoms usually appear 1–2 weeks after exposure and may include high fever, stomach pain, headache, diarrhoea or constipation, fatigue, and sometimes a rash.
Yes. Typhoid can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early, but delayed treatment increases the risk of severe complications and hospitalisation.
The typhoid vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting high-risk regions, particularly those staying longer, visiting friends or relatives, or eating local food.
The injectable typhoid vaccine provides protection for up to 3 years, after which a booster is needed if travel risk continues.
It is recommended to get the typhoid vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel to allow time for immunity to develop.
The typhoid vaccine usually becomes effective within 7–14 days after vaccination.
The injectable typhoid vaccine used in the UK is not live, while the oral typhoid vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine suitable for certain individuals.
Yes. The typhoid vaccine does not offer 100% protection, which is why food, water, and hand hygiene precautions remain essential.
Yes. The typhoid vaccine can usually be given alongside other travel vaccines, such as Hepatitis A, during the same appointment.
Yes. The injectable typhoid vaccine is suitable for children aged 2 years and over. The oral vaccine is suitable from 6 years of age.
The vaccine may not be suitable for people with severe allergies or those who are acutely unwell; suitability is assessed by a specialised nurse.
Typhoid vaccination for travel purposes is not usually free on the NHS and is typically provided privately at travel clinics.
You can get the typhoid vaccine at London Vaccination Clinic, with same-day appointments available at central London locations.
Vaccination combined with strict food, water, and hand hygiene measures significantly reduces the risk of infection.
