Who should consider the typhoid vaccine?
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for travellers to areas where it is common, which the NHS identifies as parts of South Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East. It is particularly worth it if you are staying with friends and family, travelling for longer, backpacking, or going anywhere with uncertain food and water hygiene. South Asia carries the highest risk of the popular travel destinations.
How you catch it
Typhoid spreads through the faecal-oral route: food or water contaminated by an infected person, including salads, shellfish and ice. As with hepatitis A, careful food and water hygiene reduces but does not remove the risk, so vaccination is the dependable step for higher-risk regions. The World Health Organization estimates typhoid causes 11 to 21 million illnesses worldwide each year, concentrated in areas with limited access to safe water and sanitation.
How the vaccine works
The injectable typhoid vaccine is given as a single dose and protects for around three years, after which a booster is needed if you are still travelling to risk areas. It is not 100% protective, so it is given alongside advice on food and water safety rather than instead of it. Your pharmacist will confirm the timing at your appointment; a combined typhoid and hepatitis A vaccine is available for travellers who need both.
What to expect
Most people have only a sore arm, and sometimes a mild headache or brief tiredness. Serious reactions are rare. Your pharmacist will go through the patient information and check anything relevant to your health; suspected reactions can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Timing and food-safety advice
Have the vaccine ideally at least a couple of weeks before travel so protection has time to develop, though a late booking is still useful. Because no typhoid vaccine is fully protective, we will also talk through the simple food and water habits that prevent most travellers' illness: hot freshly cooked food, sealed drinks, and care with ice and salads.
Common questions
Q: Where is typhoid a risk?
A: Mainly South Asia, and parts of Africa, South America and the Middle East. South Asia carries the highest risk for travellers.
Q: How long does the typhoid vaccine last?
A: The injectable vaccine protects for about three years; a booster is needed after that if you keep travelling to risk areas.
Q: Does the vaccine mean I can eat anything?
A: No. It is not fully protective, so food and water precautions still matter alongside it.
Q: Can I have typhoid and hepatitis A together?
A: Yes, a combined vaccine covers both and is convenient for travellers who need each.
