Typhoid fever remains a significant public health concern in India and many parts of the developing world. Caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, this infection spreads through contaminated food and water making it particularly common in areas with inadequate sanitation. While typhoid fever treatment has improved considerably, prevention through vaccination remains the most effective strategy.
Understanding who should get the typhoid vaccine, how it works, and what protection it offers can help you make informed decisions about safeguarding yourself and your family.
Typhoid 101: The Basics
So what exactly is typhoid fever? It’s an infection caused by bacteria called Salmonella typhi. You catch it by eating or drinking something contaminated with infected faeces sounds gross, but that’s the reality. Contaminated water, unwashed vegetables, food handled by someone carrying the bacteria… these are the usual culprits.
Here’s what makes typhoid tricky: symptoms don’t show up immediately. The incubation period can stretch from one to four weeks. By the time you realise something’s wrong, the bacteria have already set up shop in your intestines and bloodstream.
What does typhoid feel like? Most people experience:
- Fever that keeps climbing, sometimes hitting 104°F
- Pounding headaches
- Complete loss of appetite
- Stomach pain that’s hard to pinpoint
- Either diarrhoea or constipation (yes, it can go both ways)
- Extreme weakness the kind where getting out of bed feels impossible
- Sometimes, faint rose-coloured spots on the chest
Left untreated, things can get dangerous. Intestinal bleeding, perforation, even death in severe cases. That’s not meant to scare you it’s meant to explain why doctors take typhoid seriously and why prevention matters.
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The Vaccines: What’s Available?
India has a few different typhoid vaccines. Here’s the breakdown:
The Regular Injectable Vaccine: This is what most adults get a single shot that protects you for about 2-3 years. Quick, simple, available almost everywhere. Kids above 2 years can get it too.
Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV): This newer vaccine is a big deal. It works better, lasts longer, and can be given to babies as young as 6 months. The government has actually added it to the free immunisation programme for children. You might see it called Typbar-TCV at private clinics.
Oral Vaccine: Less common in India, but it exists. You take capsules over a few days instead of getting a shot. Protection lasts around 5 years. Not everyone’s a fan of swallowing multiple doses though.
Why Bother Getting Vaccinated?
Look, nobody loves needles. But here’s why the typhoid vaccine makes sense:
- You significantly cut your risk. No vaccine is perfect, but if you do catch typhoid after vaccination, it’s usually much milder. That’s a big deal when you consider how miserable full-blown typhoid can be.
- Protection lasts years, not months. One shot and you’re covered for 2-3 years minimum. The newer TCV vaccines might protect even longer.
- Antibiotics aren’t the safety net they used to be. Drug-resistant typhoid is becoming more common. Some strains don’t respond well to standard antibiotics anymore. When treatment becomes complicated, prevention becomes even more valuable.
- You protect others too. Fewer infected people means fewer chances for the bacteria to spread through a community.
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Who Actually Needs This Vaccine?
- Kids, definitely. Paediatricians recommend typhoid vaccination for all children in India. It’s usually given around 9-12 months with the TCV vaccine.
- Travellers heading to risky areas. Planning a trip to rural India, Southeast Asia, Africa, or South America? Get vaccinated at least two weeks before you leave.
- People in areas with dodgy water supply. If you’re not confident about your local water quality or sanitation, vaccination adds a layer of protection.
- Healthcare workers. Anyone who might encounter typhoid patients or handle their samples should be vaccinated. It’s just common sense.
- Lab staff working with the bacteria. Obvious reasons.
- Family members of someone with typhoid. If your household has a confirmed case, vaccination can help prevent it from spreading to everyone else.
What About the Cost?
At private clinics, expect to pay somewhere between ₹200-500 for the standard injectable vaccine. The TCV vaccine costs more around ₹1,000-1,500.
Here’s the thing though: government health centres now offer TCV free for children under the national immunisation programme. So if you have young kids, check with your local health centre before paying at a private clinic.
After the Shot: What to Expect
Most people barely notice anything. Maybe some soreness where the needle went in, perhaps a mild headache or slight fever. Nothing that lasts more than a day or two.
Serious reactions are extremely rare. But if you have trouble breathing or notice unusual swelling after getting vaccinated, get medical help right away.
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The Vaccine Isn’t a Free Pass
Here’s something important: being vaccinated doesn’t mean you can throw caution to the wind. The vaccine reduces your risk it doesn’t eliminate it completely.
You still need to:
- Stick to bottled or boiled water when you’re unsure about the source
- Skip the tempting street food if hygiene looks questionable
- Wash your hands properly before meals
- Be careful with raw salads and cut fruits when eating out
Think of the vaccine as one part of your defence, not the whole thing.
When Symptoms Show Up Anyway
Vaccinated or not, if you develop a persistent high fever along with stomach pain and weakness, see a doctor. Typhoid diagnosis involves a simple blood test. Caught early, it responds well to antibiotics and most people recover fully within a few weeks.
Ignoring symptoms or self-medicating with random antibiotics? That’s how complications happen. Don’t go that route.
Ready to Get Protected?
Typhoid vaccination takes minutes but offers years of protection. At Clinikk Health Hub, we provide both standard and TCV vaccines for children and adults. Our doctors can help you figure out which vaccine suits your situation and when you or your kids should get boosters.
Why wait until typhoid hits close to home? Book your vaccination appointment today and cross one health worry off your list.
