If you are traveling to certain parts of the world, then you might need a typhoid vaccine. Find out how long typhoid vaccines last.
Typhoid fever is a serious — and potentially deadly disease that is common in many developing countries. More than 21 million people get typhoid fever every year. The disease is rare in the United States, but travelers who visit certain countries are at risk for contracting it. Typhoid fever is fatal about 25 percent of the time.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine for typhoid fever. The vaccine can help prevent the disease. If you are traveling to countries where typhoid fever commonly occurs, then you should protect yourself with this vaccine.
What Causes Typhoid Fever?
The bacteria Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever. People most often get typhoid fever when they drink water or eat food that the bacteria lives on. After you ingest the food or water, the bacteria will then enter the small intestine and invade the bloodstream. White blood cells carry the bacteria throughout the bloodstream. It then multiplies and infects other tissues and organs. The bacteria then causes various symptoms, such as fever, poor appetite, diarrhea, and headaches.
Some people become carriers of typhoid fever even though they never have any symptoms. People who are carriers may be the source of new outbreaks of the disease for many years.
Without treatment, typhoid fever is fatal in about 25 percent of cases. Fortunately, this disease is treatable with antibiotics and supportive therapy. If you have symptoms of headache, diarrhea, high fever, and abdominal pain, and you have recently traveled outside of the U.S., then you should visit one of our travel clinics right away.
Where Is Typhoid Fever Prevalent?
If you are traveling to an area where typhoid fever is common, then you should get a typhoid vaccine. Wondering where typhoid vaccines are required? The highest risk for contracting typhoid fever is in South Asia. However, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends typhoid vaccinations for all travelers outside the U.S. Here are some of the countries where typhoid fever is especially prevalent:
- Africa
- Asia
- Caribbean
- Central America
- South America
When To Get A Typhoid Fever Vaccination
The CDC recommends getting your vaccinations at least a month before traveling to a high-risk area.
Can I Get The Typhoid Fever Vaccine Outside The United States?
According to the CDC, it is not recommended that you receive the vaccine outside of the U.S. To get the full protection of the vaccine, you must have it at least a week before you travel. Additionally, vaccines in other countries may not be up to the same standards as those given in the U.S. Consequently, they may not be as effective.
If you are trying to save money on the cost of the vaccine, visit Statcare. We offer affordable travel vaccinations.
How is Typhoid Fever Vaccine Administered?
There are two different vaccinations for typhoid fever — a single injection or an oral medication.
- Injection – The injection is an inactivated vaccine that must be taken at least two weeks before travel.
- Oral – The oral version is a weakened, live vaccine that consists of four tablets. You must take the tablets every other day and finish them at least a week before travel.
How Long Does The Typhoid Vaccine Last?
How long the vaccine lasts depends on the vaccine. If you have the typhoid pill (inactivated) vaccine, then you will need a booster every two years. For the live vaccine (injection), a booster is needed every five years.
Where Can I Go To Get A Typhoid Fever Vaccine?
Are you wondering where to find typhoid vaccine locations? At Statcare in NYC, we offer typhoid vaccines. We are open seven days a week, 365 days a year, including major holidays and weekends. To save time when you come into the clinic, schedule an appointment online.
