Typherix

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Typherix

Method of action: Vaccine

Treatment option: Fever, Typhoid

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Typherix

What is Typherix? Overview and Quick Facts

Typherix is a preventive medicine designed to generate the body's own defense mechanisms against typhoid fever. Classified as an active immunization agent, it serves the purpose of prophylaxis (prevention) against infection by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. Typherix is produced by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and is a prescription-only (Rx) product.

Property Description
Active Ingredient Vi Capsular Polysaccharide (S. typhi Ty2 strain)
Form Solution for injection (in pre-filled syringe)
Pharmacological Class Typhoid Vaccine (J07AP03)
Common Use Active immunization against typhoid fever
Origin Derived biological product (purified bacterial component)

What Type of Product is Typherix and What is Its Purpose?

Typherix is a polysaccharide vaccine that serves as an effective tool for protection against typhoid fever. Vi capsular polysaccharide vaccines are utilized as one of the essential public health strategies for managing the global risk of this infection. This preparation is a non-live, monovalent vaccine, suitable for use in high-risk groups, such as international travelers or personnel working in endemic areas. Its core purpose is to help the body establish active immunity before potential exposure occurs.

Typherix: Composition, Origin, and Delivery Form

The product's identity is defined by its core component, the Vi capsular polysaccharide (Vi CP), which is a purified component sourced from the Salmonella typhi bacteria, making it a derived biological product. As a polysaccharide vaccine, Typherix is distinct in its ready-to-use delivery: a solution for injection in a pre-filled syringe, designated for intramuscular administration. The use of the purified Vi CP alone, without other bacterial parts, contributes to the vaccine's well-established profile in clinical use.

What side effects are possible with Typherix?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Typherix, a typhoid polysaccharide vaccine, is defined by classifications found in official regulatory documents. Most reported events are temporary and mild or moderate in nature, classified based on frequency as observed in clinical use and post-marketing surveillance.


Frequency and Systemic Grouping

The most commonly documented adverse reactions involve General disorders and administration site conditions and Nervous system disorders.

Frequency Classification Examples of Reactions
Very Common (ge 1/10) Injection site pain, headache, fatigue, malaise (general discomfort).
Common (ge 1/100 to < 1/10) Fever (pyrexia), myalgia (muscle aches), nausea, injection site redness or swelling.
Not Known Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, serum sickness, vasovagal syncope.

Most common adverse effects are reported to appear within 3 days after administration and generally resolve spontaneously within 1 to 3 days.


Serious Adverse Reactions and Restrictions

Serious adverse reactions, such as anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions (severe allergic responses), are documented in post-marketing data, though their frequency is categorized as Not Known or very rare. Official product information states that appropriate medical treatment must be readily available to manage such events.

Safety restrictions note that the vaccine is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the vaccine or its components. Administration must be postponed if the subject is suffering from an acute febrile illness.

Population-specific safety considerations state that safety and efficacy have not been established in children under 2 years of age. Caution is also advised when administering the vaccine to subjects with bleeding disorders or thrombocytopenia due to the risk of bleeding at the injection site.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile for Typherix, a typhoid vaccine, does not describe a classical pharmacological overdose. Instead, regulatory guidance focuses on the acute, severe systemic reactions that constitute the most serious immediate risk following administration: severe hypersensitivity.

Documented Severe Manifestations

Clinical Manifestation Regulatory Severity
Anaphylaxis and associated Shock Classified as Life-Threatening
Signs of severe reaction: Swelling of the tongue or throat, troubled breathing, hives, or rash Requires Immediate Attention
Vasovagal syncope (fainting) Requires Precautionary Management

Regulator-Mandated Emergency Actions

Official guidance is clear on the necessary response to these documented acute events. The primary objective is to recognize the symptoms that require urgent intervention and ensure necessary medical resources are on hand.

Mandated Action Required Intervention
Seek immediate medical attention Required for all documented signs of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
Emergency readiness Facilities for the management of anaphylaxis must be available.
Required supportive measure Epinephrine injection (1:1000) must be immediately available for administration.

This framework explicitly defines the conditions under which urgent medical care must be sought, linking severe clinical signs (e.g., troubled breathing) directly to the required immediate management and supervision.

Therapeutic Uses of Typherix

Typherix is commonly used for managing the risk of typhoid fever, a condition that may result in disruptive and painful symptoms. This measure is relevant for easing the overall symptom load associated with the infection.


Main Uses and Benefits of Typherix

This prophylactic measure is generally used in clinical settings in contexts involving heightened systemic burden, such as when traveling to areas where typhoid fever is common or for individuals in close household contact with a carrier. It is relevant in clinical settings marked by heightened patient distress, applicable within conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes. A therapeutic benefit is that it may help address symptom clusters that create noticeable physiological strain, including a prolonged high fever, headache, and severe systemic discomfort.


Quick Fact: Supporting Functional Stability

The measure assists with maintaining functional stability and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases by managing the risk associated with a systemic condition.


In supportive contexts, this measure contributes to improved comfort during symptomatic periods and may assist with easing symptoms related to systemic imbalance that interfere with daily functioning.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Typherix — official regulatory information

Eligibility scope

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed (as stated in label) Adults and children two years of age and older for active immunization.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Subjects with known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine or those with a history of hypersensitivity after previous administration.
Age-related eligibility rules Approved for individuals two years of age and older. Safety and efficacy in children under 2 years of age has not been established.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Administration must be postponed in subjects suffering from acute severe febrile illness. A minor infection is not a contraindication.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Use is conditional, recommended only when there is a high risk of infection.
Eligibility-related restrictions In patients with immunodeficiency or those receiving immunosuppressive treatment, an adequate protective response may not be achieved. Caution is required for subjects with bleeding disorders or thrombocytopenia.

Eligibility classifications (high-level)

Classification Regulatory Basis
Eligibility severity classification (as defined in official documents) Contraindicated, Postponement Required, Conditional Use, Use Not Established.
Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.) Official regulatory labeling (Summary of Product Characteristics / Prescribing Information).
Eligibility-context constraints (as defined in official documents) Age, current health status (acute illness), history of hypersensitivity, and immune status.

Resulting eligibility structure

Official eligibility statements:

  • Contraindicated in subjects with known hypersensitivity to any vaccine component.
  • Approved for adults and children two years of age and older.
  • Use must be postponed in subjects with acute severe febrile illness.
  • An adequate protective response may not be achieved in patients with immunodeficiency.
  • Use is conditional during pregnancy and breastfeeding, permitted only where there is a high risk of infection.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile (2–4 sentences): Official regulatory documentation defines eligibility through specific criteria related to age, physiological status, and absolute contraindications. The vaccine is not approved for children under two years old, where use is not established. Absolute prohibition applies only to hypersensitivity reactions, while other conditions, such as acute illness or immunodeficiency, establish conditional use or require postponement of administration.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Typherix Interactions with other medicines and products: Official Regulatory Information

This section outlines the officially documented interaction patterns for Typherix (Typhoid Polysaccharide vaccine) based on government-approved prescribing information. The profile is limited to interactions that affect vaccine efficacy and co-administration requirements.


Documented Interaction Patterns

The primary documented interaction is pharmacodynamic, concerning the body's immune response to the vaccine. No specific CYP-mediated or transporter-based interactions are cited in regulatory documents.

Interaction Type Interacting Substance/Condition
Diminished Immunogenicity Immunosuppressive treatment (e.g., steroids, cyclosporin)
Co-administration Logistics Other injectable vaccines
Incompatibility Restriction Other medicinal products/vaccines

Official Regulatory Constraints

Official labeling addresses conditions that may reduce the expected effectiveness of Typherix and procedural requirements for administration:

  • Immune Response: In patients receiving immunosuppressive treatments or those with immunodeficiency, regulatory documents state that an adequate protective immune response may not be achieved.
  • Co-Administration: If Typherix is administered simultaneously with other injectable vaccines, each must be given at a different injection site.
  • Mixing Prohibition: Typherix is prohibited from being mixed with any other medicinal product or vaccine in the same syringe.

Mechanism of Action

How Typherix Works

Typherix utilizes the purified Vi capsular polysaccharide from Salmonella typhi, which functions as the primary antigen. Following administration, this polysaccharide is captured and presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), initiating the cellular interaction that drives the immune response. This process leads to a T-independent, B-cell dependent immune response and the subsequent maturation of B cells.

This cascade results in the generation of specific antibodies that bind directly to the S. typhi Vi capsular polysaccharide. The resultant antibody response is characterized by the production of anti-Vi IgG and IgA classes, which contribute to the physiological process of systemic and mucosal immunity. The development of this profile establishes a basis for immune memory, ensuring a cellular mechanism for a rapid recall response upon subsequent exposure to the Vi antigen.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Typherix is Used: Official Administration Guidelines

Typherix is a vaccine administered according to a specific schedule to provide active immunization against Salmonella typhi. The usage is strictly standardized across age groups two years and older.


Administration Scope and Dosage

Field Official Administration Guideline
Route of Administration The standard route is Intramuscular (IM) injection, typically into the deltoid muscle. Subcutaneous (SC) injection may be used in individuals with an elevated risk of bleeding.
Standard Dosing Regimen A single primary dose of 0.5 mL containing 25 μg of Vi capsular polysaccharide antigen.
Age-Group Rules The 0.5 mL dose is used for all individuals two years of age and older. The vaccine is not recommended for children under two years due to insufficient data on efficacy.

Frequency and Procedural Timing

Field Official Administration Guideline
Primary Schedule Timing The initial vaccination must be administered at least 14 days prior to the anticipated exposure or travel to allow for the establishment of protection.
Revaccination Frequency A single booster dose is required every 3 years for individuals who maintain a continued risk of infection.
Preparation The solution is ready-to-use in the pre-filled syringe and must be administered undiluted. It must be visually inspected before use.

Procedural Summary

The usage protocol establishes Typherix as a prophylactic measure with a fixed, standardized 0.5 mL injectable dose. The requirement for administration at least 14 days before potential exposure structures its use as a pre-emptive intervention. The mandatory 3-year interval for revaccination defines the long-term temporal pattern necessary to sustain adherence to the official immunization protocol.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Typherix


Evidence for Use in Travel to High-Risk Areas

Research has examined the use of Typherix in individuals planning to travel to areas where typhoid fever is common. These studies were primarily randomized controlled trials, which are designed to compare the effects of the vaccine against a control group to see if an immune response was observed.

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies regarding the immune response measured against the Salmonella typhi bacterium. Studies report data on outcomes reflecting systemic or functional imbalance in the observed populations who traveled to high-risk areas, contributing to the broader evidence landscape regarding outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance. The evidence was evaluated in healthy individuals of different ages planning international travel.


Evidence for Use in Children and Adolescents

Typherix was studied for use in younger populations, including children and adolescents. These studies explored whether the immune response generated by the vaccine was consistent between children and adults.

Data show patterns related to the immune response measured in the pediatric populations studied. Findings indicate that an immune response was observed in the study participants, but the specific strength and duration of this response may differ slightly across various age groups within the pediatric range.


Long-Term Studies and Follow-up

Research has explored how long the immune response measured after Typherix vaccination may last. These studies explored the persistence of the immune response over defined time intervals, providing information on the durability of the effect.

However, the follow-up durations were limited in many of the key studies. The long-term effects are not fully established, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes that extend many years beyond the initial vaccination. Therefore, certainty remains low regarding the exact duration of protection for every person.


What is Still Uncertain About Typherix

Research has explored many aspects of Typherix use, but like all medical evidence, certain areas still require more research. One major area of uncertainty is the precise duration of immune response for individuals, as long-term effects are not fully established and follow-up durations were limited.

Research helps contextualize how patients reported their experience in studies, but it is important to remember that findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes. The ongoing research aims to address these areas where certainty remains low and to better understand the patterns observed in the studies under various conditions.

Key Studies & References

  1. WHO position paper on typhoid vaccines (Includes Vi-polysaccharide vaccines like Typherix and evidence on efficacy, duration, and use in endemic areas)
  2. UK Greenbook, Chapter 33: Typhoid (Includes data on Vi polysaccharide vaccine efficacy and children's use)
  3. Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Typherix (HPRA/EMA equivalent - for authorized use, age groups, and special warnings)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Typherix (FAQ)


Q: How long does the protection from Typherix last?

A: Regulatory documents indicate that the protection generated has been observed to last around three years. Official guidelines suggest revaccination after this period for individuals who maintain a continued risk of exposure to typhoid fever.


Q: What are the most common injection site side effects of Typherix?

A: According to official regulatory documents, the most common reactions reported at the injection site are pain, tenderness, redness (erythema), and swelling. These local reactions are usually temporary and mild.


Q: How quickly do the common side effects from Typherix usually go away?

A: Official safety data indicates that the common side effects are generally reported to start within 48 hours following vaccination. They typically resolve on their own within one to three days.


Q: Does having certain chronic conditions affect how well Typherix works?

A: Regulatory documents caution that for patients who have immunodeficiency or who are currently undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, an adequate protective immune response may not be achieved. This status is described in regulatory documents as a condition where the expected immune response may be reduced.


Q: What is the general duration of protection cited in clinical trials for Typherix?

A: Clinical trials conducted in high-risk areas have observed protective efficacy for up to 3 years following a single dose. This observation is used to support the suggested revaccination interval.


Q: What kind of bacteria does Typherix protect against?

A: Typherix is specifically indicated for active immunization against typhoid fever, which is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. Official documents note that the vaccine does not protect against other related strains, such as Salmonella paratyphi.


Q: Why does the packaging state that Typherix must never be frozen?

A: Official storage instructions strictly require that the vaccine be kept in a refrigerator but must not be frozen. Freezing the solution is prohibited because it destroys the vaccine, compromising its integrity and expected function.


Q: Is it normal to feel flu-like symptoms or a mild fever after the Typherix injection?

A: Experiencing systemic reactions like a mild fever (pyrexia) and general discomfort (malaise) is classified as a common or very common outcome in official safety documents. These reactions are frequently reported in safety data and are usually temporary.


Q: What are the ingredients in Typherix, and what is the active component?

A: The active component in the vaccine is the Vi capsular polysaccharide purified from the Salmonella typhi bacteria. Inactive ingredients (excipients) typically include sodium chloride and phosphate buffers which help maintain the vaccine's stability.


Q: What is the difference between Typherix and Typhim Vi?

A: Typherix and Typhim Vi are both classified as Vi capsular polysaccharide vaccines for typhoid fever. Official information shows both are non-live, injectable vaccines that contain the same amount of the Vi polysaccharide antigen.


Q: Does Typherix offer complete protection against all types of Salmonella?

A: Official documentation clarifies that the vaccine is designed to protect only against infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It does not provide protection against other related species of Salmonella, such as S. paratyphi.


Q: If I am planning repeated trips to high-risk areas, how often is a dose suggested?

A: Regulatory documents suggest that for individuals who maintain a continued risk of exposure to typhoid fever, revaccination is appropriate. A single booster dose is suggested with an interval of not more than three years.


Q: Is it possible to experience a delayed reaction to Typherix?

A: While most common effects occur within three days, official post-marketing surveillance has included reports of rare, serious events. The frequency of these rare events is classified as 'Not Known' in safety documents.


Q: Are there different forms of typhoid vaccine (e.g., tablet vs. shot) and where does Typherix fit in?

A: Typherix is a Vi capsular polysaccharide vaccine that is administered as a shot (an injectable solution). This type is distinct from other available forms, such as the oral, live-attenuated typhoid vaccine (a tablet).


Q: Can Typherix be used if I have allergies to certain vaccine components like casein or formaldehyde?

A: The vaccine is contraindicated if there is a known hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients. Official information indicates that hypersensitivity to substances like formaldehyde or casein, which may be present in trace amounts due to the manufacturing process, is listed as a contraindication.


Q: How does the immune system create protection (antibodies) after receiving Typherix?

A: The vaccine introduces the Vi capsular polysaccharide (the antigen) to the body. This component stimulates the immune system to produce specific antibodies, such as anti-Vi IgG, which are the body's defensive mechanisms against the S. typhi bacterium.


Q: Are there specific symptoms of typhoid fever that Typherix is designed to prevent?

A: The vaccine is designed to prevent typhoid fever, which public health documents describe as being characterized by symptoms such as a persistent high fever, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, and stomach pains.


Q: Can dizziness or fainting be associated with receiving the Typherix injection?

A: Syncope (fainting) is listed as an adverse reaction in official safety documents. This event is often noted as a psychogenic response to the injection itself, and it may be accompanied by dizziness or temporary neurological signs.


Q: Are headaches a common systemic reaction reported after receiving Typherix?

A: Yes, headache is classified in official safety data as a very common reaction, meaning it is reported in 1 in 10 people or more. It is often grouped under the general category of nervous system disorders.


Q: Can Typherix be given to people with a known bleeding disorder?

A: Official documents advise caution when the vaccine is administered to individuals with bleeding disorders or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). In these situations, regulatory documents note that a subcutaneous (SC) injection may be used as an alternative route to reduce the risk of bleeding at the injection site.


Q: What are the specific signs of a serious allergic reaction to Typherix that I should watch for?

A: Serious adverse reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are listed. Patient information suggests watching for signs like swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue, hives, trouble breathing or swallowing, and a severe rash. Appropriate medical treatment must be readily available to manage these events.


Q: How is the protection level of Typherix described in official sources?

A: Official documents for the Vi polysaccharide vaccine report that the protective efficacy measured in clinical trials ranges from approximately 55% to 74%, depending on the study. Official information also emphasizes that the vaccine does not offer 100% protection.


Q: Does Typherix contain mercury, preservatives, or animal products?

A: The vaccine is reported to contain phenol as a preservative. Regulatory and manufacturing documents state that bovine-derived materials may be used in the production process but are removed during purification, and the final product does not contain human blood products.


Q: Are there any age restrictions for the booster dose of Typherix?

A: The same single dose is recommended for both the primary vaccination and the booster dose. This applies to all individuals two years of age and older.


Q: What percentage of people typically experience a fever after the Typherix vaccination?

A: Fever (pyrexia) is classified as a common side effect, meaning that official safety data shows it occurs in 1 in 100 to less than 1 in 10 people.


Q: Is Typherix recommended for people who live with a long-term typhoid carrier?

A: Public health recommendations in certain regions suggest the vaccine for individuals who have close contact with someone known to carry the S. typhi bacteria, in addition to travelers to high-risk areas.


Q: Are there any substances in the manufacturing of Typherix that relate to bovine materials?

A: Manufacturing documentation confirms that the production of the vaccine involves the use of bovine derived materials. However, these components are fully removed during the subsequent purification process.


Q: What is the significance of the S. typhi (Ty2 strain) Vi polysaccharide in the vaccine?

A: The Vi capsular polysaccharide is the critical component purified from the S. typhi bacteria. It functions as the antigen—the substance that is recognized by the immune system to stimulate the production of protective antibodies.


Q: Why do official guidelines emphasize that Typherix does not offer 100% protection?

A: Official information emphasizes that the vaccine's protective efficacy measured in clinical trials is not absolute. This is highlighted to ensure that vaccination is understood as one component of prevention, and that proper food and water hygiene practices remain important.

How should Typherix be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements for Typherix

The storage and disposal of the Typherix vaccine must adhere strictly to official regulatory guidelines to maintain its stability and ensure safety.

Storage Condition Requirement
Temperature Store in a refrigerator between +2 C and +8 C.
Protection Store in the original outer carton to protect from light.
Prohibited Do not freeze. Freezing destroys the vaccine.

Handling and Safety

Regulatory information requires that Typherix must be kept out of the reach of children. The product must remain in its outer packaging until use. Before administration, the solution should be visually inspected.

Disposal

Official instructions state that medicines must not be disposed of via household waste or wastewater. Unused product and any related materials, such as used syringes, must be discarded according to local regulations for pharmaceutical and sharps waste. Consult a pharmacist for guidance on disposing of expired or unwanted vaccine.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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