Typhoid
A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.
What it is
Typhoid is a bacterial infection that causes high fever, headache, weakness, and stomach pain. Without treatment it can become serious.
How it spreads
You get it by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the stool of an infected person. It is most common in places where sanitation is patchy.
Dosing & timing
- Primary series
- Two options. The injected version is a single shot. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day on an empty stomach.
- Boosters
- Injected: booster every 2 years. Oral: booster every 5 years.
Who should consider it
CDC recommends typhoid vaccination for travellers aged 2 and older going to areas where typhoid is a known risk — especially South Asia, parts of Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It matters more if you will eat with locals, stay in rural areas, or visit friends and family abroad.
Countries where CDC recommends this
Click any country for its full vaccine list.
Recommended for most travellers
Recommended for some travellers
Side effects and safety
Common (most resolve in a day or two)
- Soreness where the shot was given (injected)
- Mild fever or headache
- Upset stomach (oral version)
Serious but rare
- Severe allergic reaction (very rare)
Who should not get it
Skip the injected version if you have had a severe reaction to a previous dose. The oral version is a live vaccine — not for pregnant travellers or anyone with a weakened immune system.
Common questions
If I'm vaccinated, can I eat anything I want?
No. Typhoid vaccines are not 100% effective. Stick to safe food and water habits — peel it, cook it, or skip it.
Should I pick the shot or the capsules?
The shot is one visit and works for 2 years. The capsules last 5 years and avoid a needle, but you have to remember to take all four on schedule.
Is typhoid still a real risk in 2026?
Yes — especially in South Asia. Drug-resistant strains have made treatment harder, so prevention matters more than ever.
Plan ahead: Talk to a travel health doctor 4 to 6 weeks before departure to choose the right typhoid option for your trip.
Source: CDC — Typhoid.
Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.