How much does a typhoid vaccine cost?
How much does a typhoid vaccine cost?
$35 – $200 average cost for oral vaccine
$80 – $250 average cost for injectable vaccine
Typhoid vaccine cost
The typhoid vaccine costs $35 to $200 for the oral version and $80 to $250 for the injectable vaccine without insurance, depending on your location and the provider. Many providers charge an additional consultation or administration fee of $15 to $40. Some health insurance plans cover the full cost of the typhoid vaccine.
| Provider | Oral vaccine cost (Vivotif®) |
Injectable vaccine cost (Typhim Vi®) |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens) |
$120 – $150 | $130 – $190 |
| Travel vaccination company (Passport Health) |
$100 – $130 | $120 – $180 |
| Health department | $35 – $110 | $80 – $160 |
| Primary care physician | $120 – $200 | $140 – $250 |
There are two different types of typhoid vaccine:
The oral typhoid vaccine is administered in capsule form in 4 doses taken over six days. Protection lasts for up to 5 years.
The injectable typhoid vaccine is more expensive but requires only a single dose. Protection lasts for 2 to 3 years.
What is typhoid?
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It's uncommon in developed countries with good water and sewer systems but remains a serious health problem in many developing nations, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America where access to clean water and sanitation may be limited.
The disease affects approximately 11 to 20 million people worldwide each year and causes an estimated 128,000 to 160,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization. If left untreated, typhoid fever can be fatal in up to 30% of cases.
How do you get typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever spreads through the fecal-oral route, meaning a person can contract it by consuming food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The bacteria can survive in water and dried sewage for weeks.
Typhoid is not directly contagious from person to person like a cold or flu. However, it can spread in the following ways:
Contaminated food and water: You can contract typhoid fever by consuming food prepared by someone who is infected and hasn't washed their hands properly after using the bathroom, or by drinking water contaminated with sewage containing the bacteria.
Poor sanitation: In areas with inadequate sewage disposal and water treatment, the bacteria can spread more easily, such as by using a toilet contaminated with the bacteria and touching your face before washing your hands.
Carriers: Some people recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria, potentially infecting others. The most famous example was "Typhoid Mary" (Mary Mallon), who infected at least 51 people while working as a cook in the early 1900s.
Travelers to endemic areas are at increased risk, especially when eating at street food stalls, drinking unbottled water, or traveling in rural areas where sanitation may be poor.
Typhoid fever symptoms
Typhoid fever typically develops gradually, with symptoms appearing 1 to 3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. The early symptoms may include:
Headache
Weakness and fatigue
Fever that starts low but increases gradually, often reaching 103° to 104° F (39° to 40° C)
Muscle aches or joint pain
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Constipation or diarrhea
Rash of flat, rose-colored spots (primarily on the torso)
As the disease progresses without treatment, complications may include:
Intestinal bleeding or perforation
Inflammation of heart muscles
Pneumonia
Kidney or bladder infections
Delirium or confusion
Seizures
Typhoid vaccine FAQs
How long does the typhoid vaccine last?
The duration of protection depends on which type of typhoid vaccine you receive. The oral typhoid vaccine (Vivotif) provides protection for approximately 5 years. The injectable typhoid vaccine (Typhim Vi) provides protection for about 2 to 3 years.
How effective is the typhoid vaccine?
The typhoid vaccine provides about 50% to 80% protection against typhoid fever. Even though the typhoid vaccine is not 100% effective, experts strongly recommend vaccination for people traveling to parts of the world where typhoid is common due to the deadly nature of typhoid fever.
Because the typhoid vaccine does not provide 100% protection, vaccinated travelers should still practice careful food and water hygiene when traveling to high-risk areas.
What are the typhoid vaccine side effects?
Both the oral and injectable typhoid vaccines are generally well-tolerated, but like any medical intervention, they can cause side effects in some people. Common side effects include:
Nausea
Fever or headache
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Tiredness or weakness
Less common side effects include muscle aches or joint pain, vomiting, or redness and itching of the skin.
Serious side effects are rare for both vaccine types. If you experience high fever or severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of face or throat) after vaccination, seek medical attention immediately.
Is the typhoid vaccine a live vaccine?
The two types of typhoid vaccines have different compositions:
Oral typhoid vaccine (Vivotif) is a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains weakened live bacteria that can replicate but not cause disease in healthy individuals. Because it contains live organisms, doctors should not give it to people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, or children under 6 years of age.
Injectable typhoid vaccine (Typhim Vi) is an inactivated vaccine containing purified capsular polysaccharide from the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. It does not contain live bacteria and is generally safe for people with compromised immune systems, though you should always consult with your healthcare provider.
Is the typhoid vaccine covered by insurance?
Coverage for the typhoid vaccine varies widely among insurance providers. Many private health insurance plans do not cover typhoid vaccination because they consider it a travel medicine service rather than preventive care. However, some plans do provide coverage, especially if there's a medical necessity.
Does Medicare or Medicaid cover the typhoid vaccine?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover the typhoid vaccine or other travel vaccines. However, Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) may cover the cost partially or fully.
Medicaid coverage varies by state, but many state Medicaid programs do not cover travel vaccines unless deemed medically necessary.
Where to get the typhoid vaccine
You can get a typhoid vaccine from these providers:
Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens
Travel immunization companies
Your doctor's office
Local health departments
When to get the typhoid vaccine
When planning to get vaccinated, you should complete the typhoid vaccine protocol at least 3 to 4 weeks before travel. It takes time for your body to build up an immune response after vaccination.
Consider scheduling a travel health consultation 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to ensure you have time to complete all the recommended vaccinations.
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