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Learn about the types, dosage, price, and importance of the typhoid vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones from typhoid infection.
Contracting typhoid can be distressing, but preventive measures like vaccination are available. The most effective safeguard is the typhoid fever vaccine, which reduces your risk of infection significantly. It is typically administered at specific stages of life and offers protection when given at the right time.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water and is highly infectious. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and diarrhoea.
Vaccination is essential for preventing typhoid infection. Two types of typhoid vaccines are commonly administered:
Live attenuated typhoid vaccine
Given orally to children aged 6 years and above
Inactivated polysaccharide vaccine
Injected into children aged 2 years and older
Both forms are effective when taken as per medical advice. Receiving the typhoid injection on time plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of serious illness.
The typhoid vaccine price in India typically ranges between ₹1,349.25 and ₹1,799 per dose, depending on the brand, formulation, and location of administration.
Various brands offer the typhoid vaccine within this price range, and your healthcare provider can suggest the appropriate one based on medical needs.
Although it is not given at birth, it is a recommended vaccine during early childhood, usually administered in two doses. Always consult a qualified medical professional before vaccinating a child or adult, do not attempt to administer the vaccine on your own.
Typhoid vaccines are administered to protect against serious complications caused by Salmonella Typhi.
Here are some key reasons for getting a typhoid vaccine:
Untreated typhoid fever can lead to intestinal bleeding, especially in the third week of infection. In some cases, perforations (holes) may form in the intestines, causing contents to leak into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to nausea, severe pain, and even sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Timely administration of the typhoid fever vaccine can help prevent such outcomes.
One of the severe complications of untreated typhoid is peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal lining. Since the peritoneum lacks its own defence mechanisms, infection can spread to the bloodstream and affect other organs. Receiving a typhoid injection reduces the risk of such life-threatening complications.
Typhoid is still common in parts of South, Southeast, and East Asia, as well as the Caribbean and Central and South America. Nearly 90% of typhoid-related deaths occur in Asia, underscoring the importance of preventive measures like the typhoid vaccine.
No vaccine guarantees 100% protection, and this applies to the typhoid vaccine as well. While it significantly lowers the risk of infection, you must still take precautions, especially when travelling to high-risk regions.
Avoid consuming untreated water, raw or undercooked food, and always maintain good hygiene. If you're planning international travel, consult your doctor about taking a typhoid vaccine for adults at least two weeks before departure.
The combination of vaccination and preventive practices offers the best defence against typhoid fever.
The method of administering a typhoid vaccine depends on the type and the recommended typhoid vaccine schedule.
Here are some:
This oral typhoid fever vaccine is prescribed for individuals aged 6 years and older. It comes in capsule form, with a total of four doses, taken on alternate days.
Capsules must be swallowed whole (not chewed) one hour before meals
If you're travelling, the last dose should be completed at least one week before departure
For those at ongoing risk, a booster dose is recommended every 5 years
This typhoid injection is suitable for both children aged 2 years and above and adults. It is administered as a single intramuscular dose, preferably at least two weeks before potential exposure.
Individuals at continuous risk should get a booster shot every 2 years
If there’s a severe reaction to the first dose, consult your doctor before proceeding with additional vaccination
A typhoid vaccine dose is generally advised for individuals over the age of 2 years. It is especially recommended in the following scenarios:
If you're visiting typhoid-endemic regions, it's advisable to get vaccinated at least two weeks before your trip.
Living in areas with inadequate water treatment or food hygiene increases your risk of infection. The typhoid vaccine helps prevent exposure through contaminated sources.
If you're staying with someone infected with typhoid, a timely typhoid vaccine shot can help protect you from contracting the illness.
Lab personnel working with Salmonella Typhi bacteria should receive the typhoid vaccine as a preventive measure.
While the typhoid vaccine is generally safe, it should not be administered in the following cases:
The inactivated typhoid injection is not advised for children under 2 years
The oral live typhoid vaccine is not suitable for children below 6 years
Anyone experiencing fever or acute illness should wait until they fully recover before receiving a typhoid vaccine dose.
If someone has had an allergic or serious reaction to a previous dose, they should avoid further doses and consult a doctor.
People with known severe allergies must seek medical advice before taking the typhoid fever vaccine.
The oral typhoid vaccine is not recommended for individuals with low immunity (e.g. due to HIV or cancer). Such individuals may consider the injectable typhoid vaccine after consulting a healthcare provider.
Those on antibiotics or blood thinners should check with their doctor before taking the oral vaccine, as it may interfere with medication effectiveness.
The typhoid vaccine is safe for most individuals, but mild side effects can occur. Common side effects include:
Fever
Headache
Stomach discomfort, nausea, or skin rashes (with oral vaccine)
Redness or swelling at the injection site (with inactivated typhoid injection)
Most side effects are temporary and resolve without medical intervention. However, seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Typhoid fever, if left untreated, could prove to be fatal, resulting in a shorter lifespan of the affected person. As typhoid vaccines for adults and kids are now widely available, getting a typhoid vaccine dose in time provides immunity against any possible infection.
While vaccination is a great preventive measure against typhoid infections, one must be prepared to face any severe, unexpected health emergencies.
Therefore, getting yourself and your family insured with the right health insurance coverage would be ideal. This can help ensure financial protection against the various medical costs incurred towards any critical illnesses during emergencies.
You can find several health insurance plans available on Bajaj Markets to secure your family and yourself.
Typhoid disease is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella Typhi.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection that affects multiple body organs like the stomach, liver, muscles and more, depending on the infection’s severity.
Typhoid symptoms typically last between 3 to 4 weeks, though recovery time may vary based on treatment and severity.
Typhoid is usually treated with a course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
Yes. Typhoid remains prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.
The typhoid vaccine price in India typically ranges between ₹1,349.25 and ₹1,799 per dose, depending on the brand and location.
No, it’s not mandatory by law. However, it is strongly recommended for children above 2 years and for travellers to high-risk areas.
Typhoid injections require a booster after every 2 years, whereas the oral vaccine needs to be taken once every 5 years. Typhoid vaccines generally lose their effectiveness over time.
