Clinical Update
Shortage of Typhim Vi® Vaccine

What is the current situation?

The Typhim Vi® vaccine (injectable polysaccharide typhoid vaccine), including both the single-dose syringe and the 20-dose vial presentations, is currently unavailable. Sanofi Pasteur, the manufacturer, is working to make the vaccine available again and expects to have more information about vaccine availability by the end of August 2013.

For questions, please call Sanofi Pasteur customer service at 1-800-VACCINE (1-800-822-2463).

Is there another typhoid vaccine option?

Yes. An oral live, attenuated vaccine (Vivotif® vaccine), also known as Ty21a, is available for most travelers.  However, children less than 6 years old, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons should not be given the oral Ty21a vaccine. These travelers should receive the injectable vaccine (while stock supplies last).

Ty21a vaccine is given in a total of 4 doses, with one pill taken every other day.  All 4 doses must be completed as prescribed, with the last dose taken at least 1 week before travel for maximum protection. For more information about the Ty21a vaccine and how it should be taken, see the Typhoid & Paratyphoid Fever section. 

What else can travelers do to protect themselves from typhoid?

All travelers, even if they have received the typhoid vaccine, should follow safe food and water precautions and practice good hygiene. Doing so will protect travelers against typhoid fever and other common travel-related illnesses, including traveler’s diarrhea. 

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