Typhoid vaccine is an effective way to prevent typhoid fever. In Germany, it is not absolutely necessary, but those who travel to warm countries with poor hygiene conditions, should be vaccinated against typhoid fever. Read all about the use, forms and side effects of a typhoid vaccine here!
Typhoid vaccine: When does it make sense?
The typhoid vaccine is useful for anyone traveling to countries with poor sanitary conditions and a lack of clean drinking water supplies. This applies, for example, for backpacking or adventure travel in many southern or Far Eastern countries. Because the recommendations for food hygiene are not always feasible in practice. There is a particular risk in areas of Asia and North Africa where typhoid fever is constantly occurring (endemic areas). But even in regions in which disasters or wars erupt typhoid epidemics, there is a danger of infection.
Basically, the typhoid vaccine for children from the second year of age is possible.
Typhoid vaccine – two forms
The typhoid vaccine is available as an oral oral vaccine and in syringe form. Both vaccinations are active vaccinations. The body forms after the typhoid vaccine so antibodies (antibodies) against the germs. If you later become infected with true typhoid bacteria, they will be intercepted by these antibodies. This prevents an outbreak of typhus.
The Typhoid oral vaccine is a so-called live vaccine. It consists of live but attenuated typhoid bacteria, which can no longer cause the disease. The oral typhoid vaccine is taken three times as an enteric-coated capsule every two days. Until used, the capsules must be kept refrigerated. The typhoid vaccine is swallowed on an empty stomach one hour before a meal. The vaccine protection starts about ten days after the last dose.
The typhoid vaccine is well-tolerated and provides protection to around 60 percent of vaccinated people for at least a year. That is, six in ten vaccinated individuals are effectively protected from typhoid fever. A revitalization of typhoid vaccine is recommended at one year risk.
The Vaccination in syringe form contains a dead vaccine, namely components from the cell wall of typhoid bacteria. They, too, can no longer trigger the disease. This typhoid vaccine is also well tolerated. He is injected only once, the vaccine protection begins about seven days later.
This typhoid vaccine protects around 60 percent of vaccinated adults and children (over two years) from typhoid fever for up to three years.
Typhoid vaccine – swallow or inject?
Whether the typhoid or vaccine vaccine is used depends on various factors. For example, the swallowing vaccine is less effective if there are gastrointestinal infections at the same time or the patient needs to take antibiotics (including those for the prevention of malaria). It is not suitable for immunocompromised persons. In addition, several single doses are needed on different days in the oral vaccine. As a result, there is a risk of revenue errors, which may affect the vaccine protection. Since the active substance of the swallowed typhoid vaccine is very sensitive to temperature, it is not suitable for traveling while traveling.
Time intervals for other vaccinations generally do not need to be met for typhoid vaccination. If necessary, the vaccine can be combined with the hepatitis A vaccine. There is now also a combination vaccine (for adolescents over 16 and adults).
Thyroid vaccine: costs
The treatment of typhoid fever can be expensive. Therefore, some health insurance companies prefer to reimburse costs for the typhoid vaccine before a stay abroad. It is best to ask your health insurance company if they will pay the vaccination costs.
Typhoid vaccine: side effects
When swallowing gastrointestinal complaints are possible. These include, for example, nausea, diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Injections of the typhoid vaccine occasionally produce mild reactions at the injection site. Also possible are slight general reactions such as fatigue, muscle pain or temperature increase.