Typhoid fever shot: what to know

The injection prepares the immune system to recognise Salmonella Typhi. It is used for prevention and cannot treat an infection that has already started. A clinician will consider your destination, travel activities, age, health conditions, pregnancy status, allergies and previous vaccinations.

The injection may cause short-lived soreness or redness where it was given, and some people feel generally unwell for a short time. Tell the vaccinator about a previous serious reaction to a vaccine and any current illness before receiving it.

Book a travel-health appointment early enough to discuss timing and whether another vaccine is appropriate. Keep your vaccination record, follow the clinician's advice, and continue using safe water, thoroughly cooked food and careful handwashing while away.

A vaccinated traveller should still seek advice for persistent fever, diarrhoea or marked weakness after travel. These symptoms have several possible causes, and a clinician may recommend testing or antibiotic treatment rather than assuming the vaccine has failed.

Get urgent care for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, collapse or rapidly spreading hives after vaccination. At any time after travel, urgent assessment is needed for confusion, fainting, severe abdominal pain, blood in stool, repeated vomiting or inability to drink.

Ask which vaccine is suitable, when it should be given, what reactions are expected, how to handle a delayed appointment, and which post-travel symptoms need testing.