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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607028.html

Typhoid Vaccine, Live Oral

Why get vaccinated?

Typhoid vaccine, live oral may prevent typhoid fever that may occur with infection due to the Salmonella typhi bacteria, usually occurring after eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with the bacteria. Typhoid fever is found in most areas of Central and South America, the African continent, the Near East and the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Infection with Salmonella typhi can cause the following: fever, headache, weakness, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite).

Typhoid vaccine, live oral contains live virus that has been weakened so it does not cause disease but can still stimulate the body to make antibodies against the bacteria to provide a defense against potential infection.

How is the vaccine given?

Typhoid vaccine, live oral comes as a capsule to be given by mouth. Keep the capsules refrigerated at all times.

Typhoid vaccine, live oral is given as 4 doses. Take each dose every other day (e.g. days 1, 3, 5, and 7), 1 hour before a meal with cold or luke-warm water. Swallow the capsule right after placing into your mouth, do not chew.

A booster dose may be considered after 5 years if you continue to be exposed to Salmonella typhi.

What should you tell the person who is giving the vaccine?

Tell your vaccine provider if you:

  • have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
  • have a fever, ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, are immunosuppressed due to a medical condition, or if you are taking an immunosupressant or anti-infective medication.
  • tell your vaccine provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.

What are the risks from vaccination?

Side effects that have been reported with typhoid vaccine, live oral include:

  • abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
  • headache
  • fever

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit https://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

How can I learn more?

Brand names

  • Vivotif®
Last Revised - 07/15/2026