Vivotif

How does it work?

This vaccine contains live, attenuated (weakened) strains of the bacteria that cause typhoid fever (Salmonella typhi). It works by stimulating the body's immune response, without causing the disease. When the body is exposed to foreign organisms, the immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the infecting agent and their first function is to help the body recognise and kill the foreign organisms. The antibodies formed remain in the body and recognise and attack any future infection with the same organism. This is known as immunity. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies in the same way as genuine infection, without actually causing the disease. As the organisms stimulate the production of a specific type of antibody, a different vaccine must be used for each disease. The typhoid vaccine provides immunity against typhoid fever. This vaccine is not given routinely. It is given to individuals at risk of contracting the disease, such as travellers to high risk areas. For individuals who cannot be given the live oral vaccine (for example, people with a suppressed immune system), an inactivated injection also exists. The vaccine is given as three doses taken on alternate days ie. days 1,3 and 5. It takes 7-10 days for protective levels of antibodies to be produced. Some vaccines remain effective for a lifetime while others require a booster dose after a few years. This vaccine requires annual boosters to provide continued immunity.

What is it used for?

Vaccination against typhoid

Warning!

This medicine should be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8°C and protected from strong light.

Each capsule should be swallowed whole, approximately one hour before a meal, with a cold or lukewarm drink.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

People whose immune systems have a decreased ability to fight infection and disease, eg due to diseases such as leukaemia, lymphoma, HIV infection or immunodeficiency syndromes

Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea

Sudden feverish illness

Sudden onset of gastro-intestinal conditions

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication an hour before food or on an empty stomach.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Abdominal cramps

Diarrhoea

Nausea and vomiting

Itchy rash (urticaria)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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