Immunization protects you from disease.
Get protected, get immunized. - Vaccines make your immune system stronger by building antibodies, which help prevent diseases.
- Immunization is safe. It is much safer to get immunized than to get this disease.
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Who should have TYVI vaccine?
This vaccine is given to some lab workers. It is also used for adults and children 2 years of age and older who are close contacts of people who carry and can spread typhoid bacteria. Talk to a public health nurse to find out if you qualify for typhoid vaccine for free.
Some travellers to a typhoid risk area should have this vaccine, but it is not free. Check with your health insurance provider as some plans may cover it.
How many doses of TYVI vaccine are needed?
People need 1 dose. A booster may be needed every 2 to 3 years. Check with your healthcare provider.
Are there other vaccines that protect against typhoid disease?
Yes. There are other vaccines which protect against typhoid and are commonly used for travellers. If you had another typhoid containing vaccine [e.g., oral typhoid vaccine; hepatitis A and typhoid combined vaccine (Vivaxim®)], you may not need this vaccine now. Check with your healthcare provider to find out when a booster is needed—some typhoid vaccines last longer than others.
How well does the vaccine work?
The vaccine is about 50% effective in preventing typhoid. Protection weakens over time.
Food and water precautions are important for travellers to typhoid risk areas, even if they were immunized.
Where can I get TYVI vaccine?
If you need the vaccine due to work (e.g., some lab workers), talk to your workplace health and safety department.
Anyone who is eligible for free vaccine, should contact the public health office in their area.
If you are travelling to a typhoid risk area, call a travel health clinic (e.g.,
AHS Travel Health Services) or speak to your doctor or pharmacist for immunization and advice about food and water precautions.
Are there side effects from TYVI vaccine?
Reactions to the vaccine are usually mild and go away in a few days. They may include:
- redness, swelling and discomfort where the needle was given
- fever
- headache or body aches
- feeling tired
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- itching
It is important to stay for 15 minutes after immunization because people can have a rare but serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If anaphylaxis happens, you will be given medicine to treat the symptoms.
Unusual reactions can happen. Call Health Link at 811 to report any unusual reactions.
How can I manage side effects?
- To help with discomfort and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area.
- If you need fever or pain medicine, check with your pharmacist or doctor. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 19 years old because it can cause serious health problems.
- Some people with health problems (e.g., weak immune system) must call their doctor whenever they get a fever. If you have been told to do this, call your doctor—even if you think the fever was due to immunization.
Is there anyone who cannot have TYVI vaccine?
You may not be able to have the vaccine if you:
- have an allergy to parts of the vaccine—always tell your healthcare provider about allergies.
- had a severe or unusual reaction after this vaccine (or a similar one)—always tell your healthcare provider if you have had reactions.
You can be immunized if you have a mild illness (e.g., cold), even if you have a fever.
For More Information
Quick Facts: Typhoid Fever
What it is
- a bacteria that causes fever, cough, headache, weakness, poor appetite, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, and sometimes a rash.
- varies from mild to severe
- Up to 1 out of 20 people can have long-term (chronic) infection.
- People with chronic infection can carry the bacteria for months or years and spread it to others, even if they do not look or feel sick.
- In developing countries, up to 1 out of 10 people die without treatment. With good medical care in developed countries like Canada, less than 1 out of 100 people die.
Who is most at risk
People who travel to South Asia or countries with poor sanitation have the highest risk of getting typhoid, especially:
- children
- long-term travellers
- people staying in homes of friends or relatives
- people who have low stomach acid because of medicine or a health condition
People with certain health conditions (e.g., removed spleen) have a higher risk of severe illness.
How it spreads
- spread by infected urine or stool getting onto hands or into food and water, and then into the mouth
- common sources of infection include contaminated water, shellfish (e.g., oysters from sewer contaminated beds), raw fruits and vegetables fertilized with human waste, contaminated milk and milk products
