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Typhoid Vaccine Capsules, Live

The oral typhoid vaccine prevents a typhoid infection. If you live in or travel to an area where typhoid is common, you should get vaccinated. This vaccine comes in a capsule form that you can take with water on an empty stomach.

What is this medication?

TYPHOID VACCINE (TYE foid vak SEEN) reduces the risk of typhoid fever. It does not treat typhoid fever. It is still possible to get typhoid fever after receiving this vaccine, but the symptoms may be less severe or not last as long. It works by helping your immune system learn how to fight off a future infection.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vivotif (PaxVax, Inc.), Vivotif Berna

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Active infection with fever
  • Cancer
  • HIV or AIDS
  • Immune system problems
  • Low blood counts, such as low white cells, platelets, or red cell counts
  • Recent or ongoing radiation therapy
  • Stomach or intestine problems
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, yeast, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Take this medication on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before food. Do not take with food. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given to you. Be sure to read this information carefully.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you miss a dose.

Four doses, given 2 days apart, are needed for protection. The last dose should be given at least 1 week before travel to allow the vaccine time to work.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Certain antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) or other sulfonamides

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Antimalarial medications
  • Certain medications for arthritis
  • Immune globulins
  • Medications for organ transplant
  • Medications to treat cancer
  • Other vaccines
  • Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Report any side effects to your care team right away.

This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store refrigerated between 2 and 8 degrees C (35.6 and 46.4 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep this vaccine in the original container.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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