Injection from age 2 (from 1 year after a risk assessment); oral capsules from age 5. For travel to South Asia, Africa and Latin America. Free from your GP for travel.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026UK Green Book ch. 33Non-live vaccine
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection caught from contaminated food and water, and is common in South Asia in particular. There are two vaccines: a single injection (Typhim Vi), which protects for three years, and a course of oral capsules (Vivotif), which is live and suits some travellers better.
Check what applies to you
Pick your age range and gender to see only the criteria for your group. Nothing you select is saved or sent anywhere.
Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Not licensed under 2; from 12 months the injection can be given off-licence if a risk assessment finds the risk high
On the NHSFree for some
The same applies on the NHS. Careful food and water hygiene remains the main protection for young children.
2 to 17 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Injection from age 2; oral capsules from age 5
On the NHSFree for some
Free from your GP practice for travel, after a risk assessment.
18 to 49 years
Privately✓Available
Single injection, or 3 oral capsules over 5 days
On the NHSFree for some
Free from your GP practice for travel, after a risk assessment, although appointments can be limited.
50 to 64 years
Privately✓Available
Single injection, or oral capsules
On the NHSFree for some
As above.
65 and over
Privately✓Available
Single injection, or oral capsules
On the NHSFree for some
As above.
Recommended for
Travellers to South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal), where risk is highest
Travellers to Africa, South East Asia, the Middle East and Central and South America, especially for long stays or visiting friends and relatives
Laboratory workers who may handle the bacteria
Who should not have it
Children under 2 for the injection (unless a risk assessment justifies it from 12 months) and under 5 for the oral capsules
A previous serious allergic reaction to a typhoid vaccine or one of its ingredients
Oral capsules only: a weakened immune system, pregnancy, current antibiotics, or an acute stomach upset
If you have a fever, the vaccine is usually postponed
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
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Protects against
Serious bacterial infection causing high fever and abdominal pain, spread through contaminated food and water.
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When to have it
2 weeks before travel
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How long it lasts
3 years (injectable)
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Doses
Single dose
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Side effects
Sore arm, mild headache, low-grade fever, or nausea for 1–2 days. Serious reactions are rare.
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Good to know
A combined Hepatitis A + Typhoid vaccine is available as a single injection.
Common questions
Typhoid vaccine: your questions answered
How long does the typhoid vaccine last?
The injection protects for about three years, after which a single booster dose is given if you are still travelling. The oral capsules need a repeat three-capsule course every three years for continued protection.
Injection or capsules: which is better?
Both are effective. The injection is a single dose and can be given from age 2 alongside other travel vaccines. The capsules avoid an injection but must be taken correctly over five days, kept refrigerated, and cannot be used with some antibiotics or in pregnancy.
Does the vaccine mean I can relax about food and water?
No. The vaccine reduces the risk but does not remove it, and it does not protect against paratyphoid or other food-borne infections. Careful choices about food and water remain important.
Is the typhoid vaccine free on the NHS?
Yes. Typhoid is one of the four travel vaccines available free at GP surgeries (with hepatitis A, cholera and the polio booster) after a travel risk assessment. Appointments can be hard to get before a trip, so private clinics and pharmacies offer it at short notice.
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GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.