Table of Contents
I. Introduction
While traveling, there is a risk for numerous preventable illnesses such as Typhoid Fever. A Typhoid vaccination is essential for ensuring a safe and healthy experience while traveling internationally. It is wise to consult a travel health clinic or health care provider at least six weeks before travel.
During the consultation, they will review your immunization history and confirm your vaccination schedule is up-to-date. They will also discuss any trip-related health concerns. This will aid in assessing your needs based on where you plan to travel and what you plan to do.
Additional vaccinations may be needed depending on your age, the planned itinerary/activities, and the local conditions. The following will focus specifically on typhoid fever and the importance of the associated vaccines.
II. Understanding Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a serious illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. Some of the regions with higher typhoid risk include parts of Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. As of 2019, an estimated 9 million people get sick from typhoid and 110, 000 people die from it every year.
Its symptoms include prolonged fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhea. Individuals experiencing severe symptoms may require medical treatment or hospitalization. In some cases, a rash may form and severe cases can lead to serious complications and/or death.
III. Importance of Typhoid Vaccination
A typhoid fever vaccination is highly recommended to be protected before traveling, especially to more at-risk areas. Receiving the Typhoid vaccination is important in more ways than one. It prevents extremely serious illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated and is a widespread disease.
When traveling to regions where typhoid is prevalent, the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of infection. As with most vaccines, it introduces an inactive or weakened form of bacteria to the body. This allows the immune system to learn how to fight against it. The proper antibodies are produced to boost immunity and offer future protection. This vaccination helps control the spread of typhoid fever in endemic areas, thus saving lives.
While typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics, it is becoming increasingly resistant to various forms of antibiotics. The typhoid vaccination is recommended for children at least 6 months of age. For adults, it is recommended for those up to 45 or 65 years depending on the vaccine.
IV. Timing Your Typhoid Vaccine
It’s important to schedule the vaccine early as a late vaccination may not provide sufficient protection. As mentioned above, travelers should receive the typhoid vaccine at least two weeks before a trip. If traveling occurs regularly, booster shots may be an option that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
An inactivated typhoid vaccine is administered as an injection (shot) in the arm. This can be given to those who are at least two years old. One dose is recommended at least two weeks before travel. For those who remain at risk, repeated doses every two years are recommended. If a dose is missed, this doesn’t require restarting or adding doses. With this being said, it is crucial to get the missed dose as soon as possible to maintain protection.
The oral typhoid vaccine is given in capsule form and is suitable for travelers of at least six years old. This form of vaccine lasts for five years. It involves taking four capsules, every other day on an empty stomach one hour before eating. While this is how it is generally taken, a professional will provide up-to-date and detailed instructions. At this time, it is also important to discuss whether the vaccine needs to be refrigerated. Along with going over the importance of not crushing or chewing the capsules.
Both of these administration options will protect against Salmonella typhi. However, the eligibility depends on the person’s age. And, certain health conditions may prohibit some individuals from taking the oral capsules.
V. Comprehensive Travel Vaccination Needs
In addition to the typhoid vaccine, travelers should consider other essential vaccines along with those specific to the destination. This may include vaccines such as hepatitis A, B, typhoid, and yellow fever depending on your travel plans. Many of these are to protect against diseases like rubella (MMR), tetanus, measles, mumps, and diphtheria.
TWINRIX, is the only dual hepatitis A and B vaccine. It should be administered at least a month before travel and given as a series of injections by a healthcare professional. It can be used for infants, children, adolescents, and adults. To find where you can get TWINRIX, click here.
Another important vaccine is DUKORAL, which protects against cholera. DUKORAL is a drinkable, oral vaccine that may be given to children and adults, 2 years old and up. It helps prevent diarrhea caused by heat-labile toxin-producing enterotoxigenic E. coli (LT-producing ETEC).
It is important to discuss both of these options with a healthcare professional as they may not be suitable for everyone. Depending on where you reside, various regulations may govern whether you need a prescription or not. These regulations may include prescription needs, regulations, and vaccination administration requirements.
VI. Additional Travel Health Precautions
Typhoid can be spread through fecal-oral transmission. For example, through contaminated food and water. It’s as simple as someone not washing their hands properly! The bacteria can easily contaminate food or water and be quickly transmitted to others. If this is consumed, or if contaminated surfaces are touched and then contact is made with a person’s mouth, it can lead to infection.
This makes practicing food and water safety vital to preventing illness while traveling. To protect the safety of the public’s health, safe water sources, proper hygiene, and sanitation practices should be a priority. This will all help to prevent its transmission. Clean, treated water and proper sewage/waste disposal management are important to prevent the ingestion of contaminated food and water sources.
Hands should be washed thoroughly and frequently with soap and water. Especially, after using the restroom or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. They should also be washed before eating. Proper food handling should also be kept in mind. Safe food preparation and food storage can help to avoid cross-contamination. It is best to avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods. Fruits and vegetables should also be peeled before ingestion. Remember, the water they are washed in may also be contaminated so it is best to remove the peel entirely.
Drinking only boiled or bottled water is highly recommended. This is especially true in areas where typhoid is common. Avoiding drinks with ice is also recommended as it is simply not worth the added risk.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Travelers often ask about necessary vaccinations and the timing for receiving Twinrix before their trip. While we hope these questions have been answered throughout this article, here are some FAQs.
Q: What Vaccinations Do I Need for Travel?
A: In addition to the typhoid vaccine, travelers should receive vaccines such as hepatitis A, B, typhoid, and yellow fever.
Q: How Long Before Traveling Should You Receive Your Typhoid Vaccine?
A: You should receive your typhoid vaccine at least two weeks before leaving for a trip. However, if traveling is occurring regularly, booster shots may be an option. This should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Q: When Should I Take Twinrix Before Travel?
A: Twinrix injections should be administered by a healthcare professional at least a month before traveling.
VIII. Conclusion
A timely Typhoid vaccination, along with other necessary vaccinations is crucial for a safe travel experience. This ensures health and safety not only for you as the traveler but for those around you. Whether you are amongst fellow travelers or individuals who call your destination “home”, it is important to be a part of the solution and not the problem.
This makes it even more integral to consult healthcare providers for personalized vaccination advice before departing. A professional will ensure everything is done with adequate time before your travels. This alone solidifies the effectiveness of the vaccinations to maintain peak health and avoid possible illness.
IX. References and Resources
For more information on travel vaccinations and health guidance, please refer to reliable health resources. Many knowledgeable and dependable professionals will help to ensure your health and safety throughout the planning and execution of your travels. To speak to such a professional, contact Destination Health for all of your Typhoid Vaccines and more.
With locations in Braintree (781) 205-0205, Natick (508) 784-6602, and Longmeadow (413) 200-4139, and Hadley (413) 200-4139 we can accommodate your needs. We are open 9-5 Monday to Friday and can also be reached at [email protected].
Work Cited
“WHO Typhoid.” WHO, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/typhoid.
