Description
Typhoid vaccine is used to prevent typhoid fever caused by a germ called Salmonella typhi. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.
Typhoid fever is a serious disease that can cause death. It is spread most often through infected food or water. Typhoid may also be spread by close person-to-person contact with infected persons (such as occurs with persons living in the same household). Some infected persons do not appear to be sick, but they can still spread the germ to others.
Typhoid fever is very rare in the U.S. and other areas of the world that have good water and sewage (waste) systems. However, it is a problem in parts of the world that do not have such systems. If you are traveling to certain countries or remote, out-of-the-way areas, typhoid vaccine will help protect you from typhoid fever. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommend caution in the following areas of the world:
- Africa
- Asia
- Latin America
Typhoid vaccine given by injection helps prevent typhoid fever, but does not provide 100% protection. Therefore, it is very important to avoid infected persons and food and water that may be infected, even if you have received the vaccine.
This vaccine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Solution
Before Using
In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of typhoid vaccine in children 2 years of age and older. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 2 years of age.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of typhoid vaccine in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this vaccine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Illness with fever, severe—Use with caution. The symptoms of the condition may be confused with the side effects of the vaccine.
- Immune system problems from a disease or medicine—May not work as well in patients with this condition.
Proper Use
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this vaccine. It is given as a shot into one of your muscles, usually in the upper arm.
To get the best possible protection against typhoid, you should receive the vaccine at least 2 weeks before you travel to areas where you may be exposed to typhoid.
If you will be traveling regularly to parts of the world where typhoid is a problem, you should get a booster (repeat) dose of the vaccine every 2 years.
Precautions
Be sure to notify your doctor of any side effects (eg, feeling faint) that occur after you receive this vaccine.
This vaccine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or troubled breathing after you get the injection.
Typhoid vaccine may not protect everyone who receives it. This vaccine will not treat the symptoms if you already have typhoid fever.
Tell your doctor if you are using a medicine or treatment that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid, radiation, or cancer treatment. This vaccine may not work as well if you are also using these medicines. However, your doctor may still want you to get the vaccine because it can give you some protection.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Fever
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- pain, redness, swelling, tenderness or a lump at the place of injection
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- fainting
- hives, itching, or redness of the skin
- swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Headache
- nausea
Less common
- Diarrhea
- difficulty in moving
- joint pain or swelling
- muscle aches, cramps, pain, or stiffness
- vomiting
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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