At Vivo Pharmacy, we often see travellers preparing for exciting journeys to destinations where typhoid is still common. Whether you are planning a family holiday, visiting friends and relatives, or embarking on business travel, protecting yourself against typhoid is an important part of your preparation. One of the most frequent questions we hear is: How long does the typhoid vaccine last? This is especially relevant for those who travel regularly or to high-risk areas.

As a trusted travel clinic in Bristol, we provide expert advice, vaccinations, and personalised health support to ensure you are protected wherever your travels take you. In this guide, we explain when typhoid boosters are necessary, how long protection lasts, and what frequent travellers should know to stay safe abroad.

Understanding Typhoid and How It Spreads

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi and is most commonly spread through contaminated food and water. It is more prevalent in regions where sanitation is poor, particularly parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. Symptoms can range from mild fever and stomach pain to severe illness requiring hospital treatment.

Vaccination provides strong protection, but it does not last forever. If you are unsure whether your immunity is still effective, it is important to review your vaccination history before travelling.

How Long Does the Typhoid Vaccine Last?

The duration of protection depends on the type of vaccine you receive:

Injectable typhoid vaccine: This single-dose injection usually provides protection for up to three years. A booster is recommended after this period if you are travelling to at-risk areas again.

Oral typhoid vaccine: Taken as a course of capsules, this option can provide protection for around five years, but it is less commonly used in the UK.

It is essential to check when you last received your vaccination. At Vivo Pharmacy, we review your vaccination record and confirm whether you need a booster before your next trip.

Who Should Consider a Typhoid Booster?

If you travel regularly or are planning a trip to an area where typhoid is common, you may need a booster to maintain full protection. Boosters are typically recommended for:

• –> Frequent travellers who visit high-risk regions

• –> People visiting friends and relatives in countries where typhoid is prevalent

• –> Long-term travellers, volunteers, and backpackers

• –> Individuals working in areas with poor sanitation

• –> Healthcare and aid workers exposed to high-risk environments

Even if your last trip was only a couple of years ago, you may still need a booster if your travel plans involve extended stays or repeated exposure.

High-Risk Travel Destinations

Certain regions pose a higher risk of typhoid infection due to limited access to clean water and safe food. These include:

• –> South Asia, particularly India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal

• –> Parts of Africa

• –> Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Vietnam

• –> South America, especially Peru and Ecuador

Before travelling, we recommend booking a consultation at our travel clinic in Bristol so we can assess your itinerary and advise on the best protection for your journey.

Why Boosters Matter for Frequent Travellers

For those who travel often, maintaining up-to-date vaccinations is especially important. Typhoid bacteria can persist in contaminated food and water even in reputable restaurants or hotels, and infection can occur without obvious warning.

A booster ensures that your immune system remains prepared to fight off infection. At Vivo Pharmacy, we help frequent travellers develop a personalised vaccination schedule so that you are always protected, no matter how often you travel.

Other Precautions to Reduce Typhoid Risk

While vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself, it is also important to take practical precautions when travelling in high-risk areas:

• –> Drink bottled or properly treated water rather than tap water

• –> Avoid ice in drinks unless you know it has been made from safe water

• –> Eat freshly cooked, piping hot food

• –> Avoid raw or undercooked seafood

• –> Wash your hands regularly and use sanitiser where facilities are limited

Combining vaccination with good hygiene practices provides the highest level of protection against typhoid and other food- and water-borne illnesses.

Additional Vaccines to Consider for High-Risk Travellers

If you are travelling to regions where typhoid is common, there may be other infections to consider protecting yourself against. Depending on your destination and activities, you may also need vaccines for:

• –> Hepatitis A and B

• –> Cholera

• –> Rabies

• –> Japanese Encephalitis

• –> Yellow Fever

At Vivo Pharmacy, we provide a comprehensive travel health assessment to ensure you receive the right protection for your trip.

When to Book Your Typhoid Vaccine or Booster

We recommend booking your appointment at least four to six weeks before you travel. This ensures there is enough time for your immunity to build before departure and gives us the opportunity to review other vaccinations you may need.

However, if your trip is last-minute, we can still help. Many typhoid vaccines provide effective protection within a couple of weeks, and our team can offer tailored advice for travellers working with tighter timelines.

Book Your Travel Health Consultation Today

If you are wondering how long does the typhoid vaccine last or whether you need a booster before your next trip, our team at Vivo Pharmacy is here to guide you. We provide expert advice, safe vaccinations, and comprehensive support to help you stay protected while travelling.

Book your appointment today at our travel clinic in Bristol and let us help you prepare for your journey with confidence.

By keeping your vaccinations up to date, you can enjoy your travels knowing you are protected against typhoid and other preventable illnesses. Contact us to learn more about how we can help ensure you are fit for travel.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.