What should you know about the enteric fever vaccine?

Enteric fever is another name for typhoid fever, an infection that can spread through contaminated food or water. Vaccination prepares the immune system to respond, but protection is not complete and recommendations depend on destination, timing, age, health, and vaccine type. Vaccination cannot treat an infection that has already started.

Discuss travel plans early so a clinician can check the suitable schedule and any precautions. Mention pregnancy, immune problems, allergies, previous vaccine reactions, and regular medicines. Continue careful handwashing and choose safe food and drinking water. Fever or diarrhoea after travel deserves medical advice; do not self-start antibiotics. Learn more about [Typhoid Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/typhoid-vaccination/) and [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/).

Seek medical assessment for persistent fever after travel to an area where typhoid occurs, especially with weakness, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhoea. Urgent care is appropriate for confusion, fainting, severe dehydration, repeated vomiting, blood in stool, or inability to drink. [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) and [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/) can have many causes.

Ask which vaccine suits your destination, when it should be given, how long protection is expected to last, and what symptoms after travel need testing.