Disease it protects from

The typhoid vaccine protects against typhoid fever caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi.

The typhoid vaccine given by injection (needle) is called TYVI.

Who should get this vaccine

You should get this vaccine if you are age 2 years or older and have close contact with someone who can spread typhoid. Some lab workers may also get this vaccine.

Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you should get typhoid vaccine.

If you are travelling to an area that has a high risk of typhoid, you may also choose to get this vaccine. If you’re getting the vaccine because of travel, it’s not free. Check with your health insurance provider to see if your plan covers the cost. Learn more about vaccines for travel.

Who should not get this vaccine

You may not be able to get this vaccine if:

• You have an allergy to any part of the vaccine.
• You had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it.

If you have allergies or have had a side effect from this vaccine in the past, check with your doctor or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.

Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness such as a cold or fever, you should stay home until you are feeling better to prevent spreading your illness to others.

Doses

You need 1 dose. You may need another dose every 3 years if you are at continued risk of typhoid. Check with your healthcare provider.

Other vaccines that protect against the same disease

There are other vaccines that protect against typhoid. They’re commonly for travellers.

If you had another typhoid vaccine, such as oral (you take it by mouth) typhoid vaccine or hepatitis A and typhoid combined vaccine (Vivaxim), you may not need this vaccine. Check with your healthcare provider to find out if you need another dose. Some typhoid vaccines last longer than others.

Get the vaccine

If you need the vaccine because of your work (such as some lab workers), talk to your workplace health and safety department.

If you can get this vaccine for free, contact your local public health or community health centre.

If you’re travelling to an area that has a high risk of typhoid, contact a travel health clinic. Learn more about vaccines for travel. You can also talk to your doctor or pharmacist about typhoid vaccine and how to be careful with food and water when you travel.

How well it works

After you get this vaccine, protection is about 50%. Protection weakens over time.

If you travel to areas with a high risk of typhoid, you must be very careful with food and water even if you’ve had this vaccine.

Safety

Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.

Side effects

There can be side effects from the TYVI vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:

• redness, swelling, or feeling sore where you had the needle
• feeling tired or unwell
• headache
• fever
• body aches
• nausea, vomiting , or loose stool (diarrhea)
• feeling itchy

At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine caused these side effects.

It’s important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.

It’s rare to have a serious side effect. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.

How to manage side effects

• To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle.
• There is medicine to help with a fever or pain. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure what medicine or dose to take. Follow the directions on the package.
• Some people with health problems, such as a weak immune system, must call their doctor if they get a fever. If you’ve been told to do this, call your doctor even if you think the fever is from the vaccine.

There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.