Overview
- Typhoid fever is a serious disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella serotype Typhi. It is transmitted by consuming food or drink which has been contaminated by the feces (poop) of an infected person.
- Typhoid can cause a high fever, weakness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach pains, and a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.
- Typhoid may be deadly without treatment, killing up to one-third of people who become infected. It can be treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant strains are a growing problem.
- Typhoid is rare in the United States, and most people from the United States who get the disease get it while traveling. This deadly infection strikes millions of people a year around the world.
- Effective vaccines are available to prevent typhoid fever.
- International Travel: Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended for certain travelers who may be exposed to the bacteria through contaminated food or water. A travel health specialist can help decide if vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine Schedule
If you are traveling to a country where typhoid fever is common, you should consider getting vaccinated. Visit a doctor or travel clinic to discuss your vaccination options. You may be offered an injection or a series of capsules to take by mouth. Remember that you will need to complete your vaccination(s) at least 1–2 weeks before you travel so that the vaccine has time to take effect.
Partner Resources
General
General information about the disease and vaccination. Also from CDC, see Typhoid Fever Vaccination.
Questions and answers about typhoid and vaccines from the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Travel
Access the typhoid and paratyphoid fever chapter of the CDC Yellow Book for travel-associated infections and diseases. This resource is intended for healthcare professionals, but its information is also useful for travelers.
Find health and vaccine information by selecting any country.
Search for public health and private clinics that administer travel vaccines. This list may not include all locations that provide travel vaccines.
Facilities that administer yellow fever vaccine are authorized to issue an International Certificate of Vaccination (the “yellow card”) to meet requirements for proof of yellow fever vaccination. These facilities typically offer a wide range of vaccines travelers may need.
This directory of members of the International Society of Travel Medicine includes clinics that offer travel health services outside the United States. Users can search and filter lists by location and by services offered.
People of any age can feel a bit anxious about getting a shot. Some may be so anxious that they avoid vaccination…even when they know it’s important. Learn more about simple ways to help any child or adult feel better and more confident when getting vaccinated.
State and local information for vaccination resources near you.
Find a Clinic