Hepatitis A and typhoid protection in one shot

Why should I get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid?

Typhoid and hepatitis A are two illnesses that occur wherever sanitation is poor. It can be hard to avoid catching them because they are contracted through food and drink.

There is a combined vaccine for available for hepatitis and typhoid as one shot. It will offer protection if you are exposed to these common diseases, both of which can make it hard for you to get the most out of your trip. You will have to take time out of your planned activities to recover from hepatitis and typhoid. You may need to see a doctor and in some countries that could be costly.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection. Symptoms include a gastro-intestinal upset accompanied by a mild fever. There may be vomiting and diarrhoea and abdominal pain, too. Jaundice, a yellow discolouration of the skin and the eyes, is another symptom.

Typhoid fever is caused when Salmonella bacteria infect the intestines. symptoms include headache, abdominal pain, confusion and fever. Some people get constipation. Doctors treat typhoid with antibiotics.

What countries have both typhoid fever and hepatitis A?

Travellers to Asia, Africa and Central and South America should consider getting a hepatitis and typhoid shot.

How does the combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine work?

The hepatitis and typhoid shot encourages your body to create antibodies that will fight off Salmonella bacteria and the hepatitis A virus should you be exposed to them.

How long will the combined hep A and typhoid shot protect me?

The hepatitis A part of the vaccine will protect you for a year. If you subsequently get a hep A booster (between six and 12 months later), you should have up to 20 years of protection. If you have had hepatitis A, you should be immune and do not need another shot. The typhoid part of the combined vaccine will cover you for three years. Frequent travellers should get a typhoid booster every three years.

What side effects are there from the typhoid and hep A vaccination?

Very rarely (one in 10,000 doses) there is an allergic reaction. But the staff at NX Travel Health Clinics know how to deal with this and will make every effort to keep you safe.

You may get redness and pain where you had the injection. Some people feel generally unwell afterwards, with a headache, fever and nausea. These symptoms should clear up quickly if you practise normal self-care for a minor illness, such as resting and taking in plenty of fluids.

Further information about the hepatitis A and typhoid combined vaccine

ViATIM is a combined vaccine for hepatitis and typhoid, given by injection. Medicines.org has a patient information leaflet for ViATIM.

Note that although these vaccines give good protection from hep A and typhoid, you will still need to ensure you drink safe water and practise food hygiene during your trip, as described in our travel health articles.

How can I get the combined hep A and typhoid jab?

Make an appointment today with NX Travel Health Clinics.