Vivotif – Oral Typhoid Vaccine

Provides protection against typhoid fever for 7 years

Important Information

  • The capsules must be kept in the refrigerator. The vaccine stability allows for its transportation at an ambient temperature
    between the clinic and the place of residence of the person taking the vaccine. The capsules can tolerate an accidental
    temperature exposure of up to 25 °C for up to a maximum duration of 12 hours. Accidental freezing should not alter the
    vaccine (Vivotif product monograph, 2015). 
  • The vaccine must be taken every two days to ensure optimal immunity (if the vaccine is taken two days in a row, or if the interval between doses is more than four days, you must begin the immunization round again).
  • The last dose must be taken at least one week before arriving in a high‐risk area.
  • The capsules must not be chewed and must be taken on an empty stomach (two hours after a meal or one hour before
    eating).
  • After taking the capsule, you must wait at least two hours before drinking alcohol.
  • Do not take Vivotif if you are on antibiotics, if you are pregnant or suspect you might be, or if you’re breast‐feeding.
  • Do not take Vivotif if you have a suppressed immune system.
  • If you are taking both Vivotif and Dukoral vaccines, do not take them within eight hours of each other.

Possible Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Skin rash

Aproximately 10% of people.

If the side effects are too bothersome, you can stop taking the capsules and opt for the injectable vaccine (Typhim Vi) which offers protection against typhoid fever for up to three years. Please note that the sale of Vivotif is final.

For more information:

Typhoid Information and Areas of Risk

Vivotif Product Monograph

Canadian Goverment Recommendations on Typhoid