Travel vaccine
Typhoid
A single injection that protects against typhoid, a serious illness linked to contaminated food and water in many parts of the world.
About typhoid fever
Typhoid is a bacterial infection caught from food and water that has been contaminated with sewage. It causes a high fever that builds over several days, along with headache, tummy pain, constipation or diarrhoea, and general exhaustion. Left untreated it can become serious, so prevention matters, especially in regions where the bacteria are common.
The vaccine
A single injection gives good protection that lasts for around three years. It is most effective when given at least two weeks before you travel, allowing your body time to respond. The vaccine is suitable for adults and for children from a young age, and it sits comfortably alongside other travel vaccinations you may need at the same appointment.
Practical travel advice
No vaccine is a complete guarantee, so keep up careful food and water hygiene: stick to bottled, boiled or treated water, avoid raw or undercooked items, and wash your hands before eating. The risk is higher on longer stays and when visiting friends and family. Book a travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road, to discuss whether typhoid vaccination suits your trip. Call 01270 215837 or visit the pharmacy to book.
How it spreads
Spread through food and water contaminated with the Salmonella Typhi bacteria, often where sanitation is poor.
Who should be vaccinated
Travellers to the Indian subcontinent, parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America, particularly those visiting friends and relatives or staying in rural areas.
Vaccination schedule
Single dose, ideally given at least two weeks before travel
Boosters
A repeat dose is recommended roughly every three years if you continue to travel to at-risk areas.
Possible side effects
A sore or red injection site, headache or mild fever that typically pass within a day or so.
Regions where there is a risk
Indian subcontinent, Africa, Southeast Asia, Central and South America.
Typhoid — frequently asked questions
Do I need the typhoid vaccine for my trip?
You should consider the typhoid vaccine if you are travelling to the Indian subcontinent, parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Central and South America, especially when visiting friends and relatives or staying in rural areas. Risk is higher where sanitation is poor and on longer trips. We will check your destinations during a consultation to confirm whether it is recommended.
How many doses of the typhoid vaccine are needed?
Only one dose of the typhoid injection is needed to give protection for a single trip. It is suitable for adults and children from a young age, and it can be given at the same appointment as other travel vaccines you may need. This makes it straightforward to fit into your wider pre-travel preparations at the pharmacy.
How long does the typhoid vaccine last?
The typhoid injection gives good protection for around three years. If you continue to travel to at-risk areas after that, a repeat dose is recommended roughly every three years to keep your cover up to date. If you are unsure when you last had it, we can review your history and advise whether a booster is due before your next trip.
How soon before travelling should I get the typhoid vaccine?
Ideally, have the typhoid vaccine at least two weeks before you travel. This gives your body time to respond and build protection before you reach an at-risk area. If your trip is sooner than that, it is still worth being vaccinated, as some protection is better than none. Call 01270 215837 to book in as early as you can.
What are the side effects of the typhoid jab?
Typhoid vaccine side effects are usually mild and short-lived. You may notice a sore or red area at the injection site, a headache, or a mild fever, which typically pass within a day or so. Serious reactions are uncommon. If anything concerns you after your appointment, you are welcome to contact the pharmacy for advice.
Is the typhoid vaccine free on the NHS or do I pay privately at Crewe Pharmacy?
At Crewe Pharmacy the typhoid vaccine is provided as a private travel service. While typhoid is sometimes available on the NHS through a GP, many travellers prefer the convenience of arranging it privately at a travel clinic without waiting for an appointment. You can call 01270 215837 or visit us at 139-141 Nantwich Road to book.
How much does the typhoid vaccine cost in Crewe?
The typhoid vaccine costs £35 per dose at Crewe Pharmacy. This covers your single injection and the advice given during your travel consultation. If you need other vaccines for the same trip, we can give them at the same appointment. To book, call 01270 215837 or call into the pharmacy on Nantwich Road.
Is typhoid a risk when travelling to India and the Indian subcontinent?
Yes, the Indian subcontinent is one of the highest-risk regions for typhoid, which is why the vaccine is widely recommended for trips there. The bacteria spread through food and water contaminated with sewage, so risk rises where sanitation is limited. Alongside vaccination, stick to bottled or boiled water, avoid undercooked food, and wash your hands before eating.