Typhoid fever is caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria and is most often contracted via contaminated food and water. It is a serious illness and a greater health risk for travelers who visit poorly sanitized areas. Countries in South Asia, Africa, and parts of Latin America present this risk. For this reason, travelers are encouraged to receive a vaccination for Typhoid fever.

If you are traveling to high-risk areas, you can get a Typhoid vaccination in Liverpool based on your health needs by scheduling a visit to a travel health centre, like Oldfield Pharmacy. In this post, we plan to examine the value of this vaccination, explore the mechanism and the potential side effects of the vaccination.

What is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever is serious. When a person consumes food or drinks water containing Salmonella Typhi, it multiplies in the bloodstream, and the person manifests very high fever, weakness, abdominal pain, and headache, and sometimes a rash.

If typhoid goes untreated, you may develop intestinal perforation and bleeding. The best way to prevent typhoid fever is to get vaccinated.

Understanding the Typhoid Vaccine

The Typhoid vaccine gives you immunity toward typhoid bacteria. It does not cause the disease, but it does prompt your immune system to recognize typhoid bacteria, defend the body, and fight the infection in the future.

There are two types of typhoid vaccines in the UK:

• Inactivated (Vi polysaccharide) vaccine – a single injection.
• Live attenuated oral vaccine – capsules taken in several doses.

Age, travel destination, and the individual’s health will determine which vaccine is best.

Who Should Get the Typhoid Vaccine?

The vaccine is particularly recommended for:

• Travelers visiting regions where typhoid is common (Asia, Africa, Central and South America).
  
• People in close contact with someone infected with typhoid.
  
• Laboratory workers who handle Salmonella Typhi bacteria.

If you are planning international travel, you can get your Typhoid vaccine in Liverpool, Oldfield Pharmacy’s Travel Clinic.

When to Get Vaccinated

You should get vaccinated at least 2–3 weeks before travelling, allowing your body enough time to develop immunity.
The protection from the injected vaccine lasts around 3 years, while the oral vaccine provides protection for about 1 year.

Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can advise if a booster dose is required before your next trip.

Typhoid Vaccine Reaction: What to Expect

Expect your body to respond to the vaccine and the antigens introduced to your system.

With the Typhoid vaccine, Reactions to the Typhoid vaccine localized and mild symptoms expected are:

Redness and mild pain

• Tideness and swelling
• Soreness and warmth of the arm
• Withdrawal or arm movement

These symptoms usually appear within 24 hours and resolve within a day or two. Applying a cool compress or taking mild pain relief (such as paracetamol) can help ease discomfort.

Common Typhoid Vaccine Side Effects

It’s completely normal to experience some mild typhoid vaccine side effects after immunisation. These are usually short-lived and not harmful. The most commonly reported ones include:

• Fever or tiredness – a mild fever indicates your body is building protection.
  
• Headache or muscle pain – temporary and can be managed with rest.
  
• Nausea or upset stomach – occasionally occurs, especially with the oral vaccine.
  
• General fatigue or mild flu-like symptoms – should resolve within 48 hours.
  

These mild effects show your immune system is responding effectively. However, if you have any concerns, contact your healthcare provider for reassurance.

Rare or Serious Side Effects

Extreme cases of the typhoid vaccine having severe side effects is quite rare. There can be:

• Very high fever (38C or higher)
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) which are life threatening, will need immediate medical attention, but are very rare.
• Vomiting and dizziness that will not go away.

If you notice any unusual or persistent symptoms, seek medical help promptly. Always inform your healthcare provider about any allergies or medical history before vaccination.

Who Should Avoid the Typhoid Vaccine?

There are people that need to avoid or wait to be vaccinated. They are:

• Having a high fever or severe illness.
• Allergies to the vaccine.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (unless the risk of typhoid exposure is high).
• Weak immune systems (for oral live vaccine).

Your Liverpool travel clinic pharmacist will go over your medical history to confirm if the vaccine is right for you.

Tips for Typhoid Prevention Beyond Vaccination

A vaccine can help protect your health, but you should still keep safe travel hygiene. One can get typhoid fever from contaminated food and water, so be careful what you eat when traveling.

• It is possible to reduce the risk of getting typhoid fever.
• Drink boiled or bottled water.
• Avoid drinks with ice cubes.
• Eat food made at home and stay away from street food.
• Wash your hands, especially before meals.

Avoid salads and eat peeled fruits. Even vaccinated travellers can get typhoid, so it is important to maintain safety hygiene at all times.

Combining Typhoid Vaccine with Other Travel Vaccines

If you travel to multiple destinations, the Liverpool travel clinic may recommend additional vaccinations. They include:

• Hepatitis A.
• Cholera.
• Yellow fever.
• Tetanus or diphtheria boosters.

Your pharmacist will tailor your vaccinations to your travel plans, medical history, and current health risks.

After the Typhoid Vaccine – What to Do

If you experience lightheadedness, it is a good idea to rest or stay still for a while.

• Rest for a short period if you feel light-headed.
• Keep the injection area clean and dry.
• Monitor for any typhoid vaccine side effects for the next 24–48 hours.
• Stay hydrated and avoid heavy physical activity immediately after vaccination.

If you are feeling strange symptoms or anything else out of the ordinary, please consult a pharmacist in Liverpool.

Where to Get the Typhoid Vaccine in Liverpool

If you would like a Typhoid vaccine in Liverpool, Oldfield Pharmacy has Vaccine Travel Clinics and other travel vaccination services and travel health advice which is NHS approved for Liverpool.

They provide all the guidance and required travel vaccines to ensure your travel health and safety.

If your trip is important, whether for leisure, work, or study, be sure to schedule your Liverpool Typhoid vaccine appointment in advance. This is because Oldfield Pharmacy has Typhoid vaccines, and to get you the best travel health services, it is best you receive complete vaccine coverage for all the purposes of your trip.

Conclusion

Typhoid vaccine is one of the best preventative measures following the deadly complications that could arise from typhoid disease. The bad reactions from the vaccines are nothing relative to the disease and the negative responses are minor and of short duration. The most important thing to acknowledge is that getting the vaccine is a must and Oldfield Pharmacy, Travel Clinic Liverpool has Typhoid vaccines to offer along with travel advice to most destinations. Travel with peace of mind and confidence.