Typhoid Vaccine Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (TIE-foyd vack-SEEN)
Typhoid Vaccine Oral Uses
This medication is used to help prevent infection from a certain type of bacteria (Salmonella typhi). This infection (typhoid fever) is common when traveling to most areas in Central and South America, Africa, the Near East and Middle East, Southeast Asia, and India. You can get this infection by consuming contaminated food or water. Typhoid fever can cause serious problems, including high fever, severe diarrhea, and dehydration. Many typhoid infections are treatable with antibiotics, but infections with typhoid bacteria that have become more difficult to treat with antibiotics (resistant) are becoming more common and may be fatal. Preventing infection can prevent these problems.
Typhoid vaccine contains live bacteria that have decreased ability to cause illness (attenuated). This vaccine causes the body to make immune defensive substances (antibodies) against Salmonella typhi bacteria that can protect you from infection.
The vaccine is recommended for persons older than 6 years who are traveling to areas where infection is common, those who are exposed to someone with persistent typhoid infection, and those who work with the bacteria in a laboratory.
How To Use Typhoid Vaccine Oral
Take this medication by mouth without food, usually every other day for 4 doses or as directed by your doctor.
Before talking each dose, inspect the foil blister pack to make sure it is completely sealed. Carefully open the blister pack and inspect the capsule to make sure it is not broken or cracked. If the capsule is damaged, do not take it. Return the damaged dose to the pharmacy for a replacement dose.
Swallow the capsule whole about 1 hour before a meal with cold or barely warm liquid. Place the capsule in your mouth and swallow with the liquid immediately. Do not chew, crush, or hold the capsule in your mouth.
The dosing schedule must be followed closely for best effectiveness. It may help to mark your calendar with reminders. Start the vaccination course 2 weeks before possible exposure to typhoid fever. If you have an infection with fever, your doctor may choose to delay vaccination until you are better.
If you have previously taken the typhoid vaccine by mouth and are again traveling to a high-risk area, you may need a booster vaccine course if it has been longer than 5 years since your last vaccination. Consult your doctor for more information.
