Typhoid (Oral Capsules)
What is Typhoid?
Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It affects the gut and can lead to severe complications if untreated. It is most common in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water.
How is it Spread?
- Through contaminated food or water
- By poor hand hygiene or contact with infected individuals
- Risk increases in areas with inadequate sewage and food safety systems
Who is at Risk?
- Travellers to South Asia, Africa, Central/South America
- Those staying with locals or in rural areas
- Humanitarian workers or people in contact with local water/food systems
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
Signs and Symptoms:
- High fever that persists
- Abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhoea
- Headache, tiredness, loss of appetite
- Sometimes a faint, rose-coloured rash
- Without treatment, serious complications may develop
When to Consider Vaccination:
- If travelling to high-risk countries
- If working or volunteering in public health, sanitation, or disaster relief
- If staying long-term in remote or rural areas
- Ideally given 2–3 weeks before travel
The Vaccine:
- Taken as 3 capsules over alternate days, completed 1 week before travel
- Protects for up to 5 years
- Suitable from age 6 if able to swallow capsules and store them correctly
Do
- Take all capsules as directed over the full course (usually 4 capsules over 7 days) M
- Store the capsules in the fridge and take them on an empty stomach with cool water
- Continue to practise food and water safety even if vaccinated
Do not
- Miss or skip doses — this reduces protection
- Take with hot drinks or food — heat may reduce effectiveness
- Rely solely on the vaccine to protect you from unsafe food and drink