Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection caused by salmonella typhi bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, typhoid is rare in the U.S., and most Americans who get the disease become infected while traveling in areas where the disease is more common. There are two vaccines used to prevent typhoid. One is inactivated, and the other is a live, weakened vaccine. Typhoid vaccines may cause some unwanted effects in some people.
Serious Allergic Reactions
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, typhoid vaccines may cause serious allergic reactions in some people. Signs of allergic reactions include difficulty breathing, fast heart rate, wheezing, hives, swelling of face, tongue and mouth, itching, dizziness and weakness. People who have had severe allergic reactions after taking inactivated or live typhoid vaccines should avoid these vaccines.
Mild Fever
According to the Mayo Clinic, typhoid vaccines may cause vaccine-induced fever. Fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature and is an important part of the body’s defense against infections. Fever may last for one to two days after typhoid injection. Patients should seek medical attention if they experience high fever that lasts for more than two days.
Headache
Headache is pain or discomfort in the head. According to the Mayo Clinic, some patients may experience headache after typhoid vaccinations. Headaches usually diminish within a day or two after the administration of typhoid vaccines. Patients should seek immediate treatment if they experience severe headache that interferes with normal activities or is accompanied by changes in vision, loss of balance, confusion, memory loss, nausea and vomiting.
Pain and Swelling at Injection Site
Inactivated typhoid vaccine is given as an intramuscular injection. According to the Mayo Clinic, inactivated vaccine may cause pain, redness and swelling at the site of injection.
Abdominal Discomfort
Live typhoid vaccine is administered orally, and may cause abdominal pains, cramps, nausea and vomiting, states the Mayo Clinic. People with weakened immune systems, such as those suffering from AIDS and cancer, should avoid live typhoid vaccines, as serious infections could occur due to lowered immunity.
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