Typhoid Vaccine
What is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. It primarily affects the intestines and bloodstream and can be life-threatening if untreated. Typhoid fever is most common in regions with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.
Symptoms of Typhoid Fever
Symptoms usually appear 1–3 weeks after exposure and can range from mild to severe.
Common Symptoms:
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Fever
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Headache
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Fatigue
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Abdominal pain or discomfort
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Poor appetite
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Nausea and vomiting
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Constipation or diarrhea
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Rash (rose-colored spots on the chest or abdomen)
Complications:
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Severe intestinal bleeding or perforation
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Chronic carrier state (may spread bacteria even if asymptomatic)
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Life-threatening infections, particularly in developing countries
How Does Typhoid Spread?
Typhoid spreads through ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces (or occasionally urine) from an infected person. Common sources include:
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Unsafe or contaminated water
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Raw fruits and vegetables fertilized with human waste
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Shellfish from contaminated waters
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Unpasteurized milk and dairy products
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Poor hygiene during food handling
Typhoid is not spread through casual contact such as hugging or coughing.
Who Should Get the Typhoid Vaccine?
Typhoid immunization is recommended for travelers and at-risk individuals.
According to NACI (Canada):
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Most persons 2 years of age and older travelling to South Asia, including:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
According to CDC (U.S.):
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Most persons 2 years of age and older travelling to many Asian, African, and Latin American countries
Other indications (both NACI and CDC):
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Laboratory personnel at risk of exposure to Salmonella Typhi
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People in close contact with S. Typhi carriers
Children, long-term travellers, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable.
How is the Typhoid Vaccine Given?
Injectable Typhoid Vaccine (Typh-I)
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A single 0.5 mL dose is administered for people 2 years of age and older when indicated.
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Can be given concomitantly with other travel vaccines.
Oral Typhoid Vaccine (Typh-O)
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or people 5 years of age and older, take one capsule on alternate days for a total of 4 capsules.
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Take approximately 1 hour before, or 2 hours after a meal.
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Contraindications: Individuals with acute gastrointestinal conditions or immunocompromised persons, including known HIV infection.
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Interactions:
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Administer at least 8 hours apart from oral cholera vaccine
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Can be given at any time before or after parenteral vaccines
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View vaccine pricing here.​
Prevention Beyond Vaccination
Even with vaccination, prevention is critical:
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Drink only safe, bottled or boiled water
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Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless peeled or cooked
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Practice strict hand hygiene
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Avoid unpasteurized dairy and raw seafood
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you really need a typhoid vaccine?
Yes. Typhoid vaccination is strongly recommended for travelers to high-risk regions, laboratory personnel exposed to Salmonella Typhi, and close contacts of carriers. It significantly reduces your risk of severe illness.
Is typhoid vaccine given in Canada?
Yes. Both injectable (Typh-I) and oral (Typh-O) typhoid vaccines are available privately at travel clinics across Canada, including Whole Health Pharmacy Travel Clinic in Edmonton.
When should the typhoid vaccine be given?
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Typh-I: at least 2 weeks before travel for adults and children ≥2 years old.
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Typh-O: complete the 4-capsule series on alternate days at least 1 week before travel for children and adults ≥5 years old.
How often do I need a typhoid vaccine?
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Typh-I (injectable): booster every 3 years if ongoing risk continues.
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Typh-O (oral): booster every 5 years if ongoing risk continues.
Why Choose Whole Health Pharmacy Travel Clinic in Edmonton?
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One-stop travel health service — assessment, prescriptions, and vaccines in a single visit
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No consultation, injection, or certificate fees
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Personalized travel health plans
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TYVI, Typh-I, Typh-O, and other travel vaccines available
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Convenient Edmonton location