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Typhoid Vaccine Side Effects

Typhoid vaccines are available for anyone planning to visit a country where this serious disease is prevalent. Caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, typhoid results in a high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, stomach pain and headache. Vaccination is recommended because typhoid is fatal in up to 30 percent of cases.

  1. Types

    • People can choose between two types of typhoid vaccines: an inactivated typhoid injection and a live typhoid oral vaccine. The recommended vaccine depends on where the person is traveling, how long she is staying there and if she has any underlying health conditions.

    Inactivated Vaccine Effects

    • The inactivated vaccine injection causes side effects of redness or swelling at the injection site in up to 7 percent of people, while fever and headache have been reported in 1 to 3 percent.

    Live Vaccine Effects

    • With the live oral vaccine, fever occurs in about 5 percent of individuals. Uncommon side effects include abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting or rash.

    Serious Reactions

    • According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, risk of a serious reaction to the typhoid vaccine is extremely small. Signs of a serious reaction include high fever, difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, weakness, pale skin, rapid heartbeat or dizziness.

    Considerations

    • Anyone with a weakened immune system should not take the live vaccine. This includes people receiving taking chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

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