Typhoid Vaccine

Typhoid is a disease caused by two different species of Salmonella bacteria, which are different to the bacteria that usually causes gastroenteritis¹.

It is mainly transmitted through food and water that’s been contaminated with faecal matter (poo) and is rare to be diagnosed with in Australia.

¹NSW Health, Typhoid and paratyphoid fact sheet, accessed 8 February 2023

The main symptoms of typhoid include¹:

• Prolonged

• Abdominal pain

• Headache

• Rash

• Loss of appetite

• Muscle aches and weaknesses

Symptoms of typhoid usually start eight to 14 days after infection, and most people recover fully over several weeks with treatment.

Some people can continue to have bacteria without experiencing any symptoms.

¹NSW Health, Typhoid and paratyphoid fact sheet, accessed 8 February 2023

Typhoid is usually more common in countries that have poor sanitation, poor hand hygiene and untreated drinking water¹.

The bacteria that causes typhoid can be found in the faeces (poo) of infected individuals and can be spread when people eat or drink food or water that’s been contaminated with faeces.

¹NSW Health, Typhoid and paratyphoid fact sheet, accessed 8 February 2023

You can be diagnosed with typhoid after visiting your doctor, especially if you have visited a high-risk country¹.

Your doctor will ask about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing as well as testing a sample of your blood, urine or faeces for Salmonella typhi.

¹Healthdirect, Typhoid and paratyphoid, accessed 8 February 2023

Typhoid is found in countries that have poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, including¹:

• Parts of India

• Africa

• Asia

• South America

• Central America

• The Middle East

¹Healthdirect, Typhoid and paratyphoid, accessed 8 February 2023

Without treatment, typhoid can be life threatening.

The treatment needed for typhoid includes drinking plenty of water and taking antibiotics that have been prescribed by your doctor¹.

¹Healthdirect, Typhoid and paratyphoid, accessed 8 February 2023

You can help reduce your risk of infection via typhoid by keeping the following things in mind when travelling to developed countries¹:

• Drinking only bottled or purified water

• Regularly washing your hands with soap and water

• Only eating cooked, boiled or peeled foods

• Avoid raw food, such as cold seafood, meats and salads

¹Healthdirect, Typhoid and paratyphoid, accessed 8 February 2023

The typhoid vaccine is the best protection against getting typhoid, especially while you’re travelling¹. You may need one injection or three to four oral doses, depending on how you prefer to take your vaccines.

¹Healthdirect, Typhoid and paratyphoid, accessed 8 February 2023

Some common side effects of the vaccine include¹:

• Pain, redness and swelling at the injection side

• Stomach discomfort

• Nausea

• Rash

• Vomiting

¹Healthdirect, Typhoid and paratyphoid, accessed 8 February 2023

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the typhoid vaccine for a range of people, including¹:

• Children aged two or older who are travelling to typhoid endemic regions

• Adults who are travelling to typhoid endemic regions

¹Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Children aged ≥2 years and adults travelling to typhoid-endemic regions are recommended to receive typhoid vaccine, accessed 8 February 2023

The typhoid vaccine is not free for anyone. This vaccine has a fee. For more information around fees, please contact your local Blooms The Chemist that offers this vaccination.

Yes, you can. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection and is preventable by vaccine. If you’d like to learn more about Hepatitis A, please click here. 

You don’t need a prescription to get this vaccine from participating Blooms The Chemist pharmacies.