Typhoid Vaccine in Canada — Oral vs Injectable, Cost & When to Book
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, particularly common in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Two vaccine options are available in Canada: a single injectable dose (Typherix or Typhim Vi) and a 4-capsule oral series (Vivotif). Strongly recommended for all travellers to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Injectable vs Oral Typhoid Vaccine — What's the Difference?
| Injectable (Typherix / Typhim Vi) | Oral (Vivotif) | |
|---|---|---|
| Doses | 1 injection | 4 capsules (every other day) |
| Time before travel | 2 weeks | Final capsule 1 week before |
| Protection lasts | ~3 years | ~5–7 years |
| Best for | Simple, one-time travel | Frequent travellers |
| Refrigeration needed | No | Yes (keep capsules cold) |
Travel vaccines are not covered by OHIP. Many extended health benefit plans provide partial coverage. We provide official receipts for all services.
Book your typhoid vaccination →What it protects against
Salmonella typhi — the bacterium causing typhoid fever. Drug-resistant typhoid (including XDR strains) is increasingly common in South Asia, making vaccination more important than relying on antibiotics for treatment.
Who should get it
- •All travellers to South Asia — India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal (highest global risk including XDR strains)
- •Travellers to Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia)
- •Travellers to sub-Saharan Africa
- •Adventurous eaters and street food travellers
- •VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travellers — often skip vaccination and are at higher risk
Not recommended for
- •Oral Vivotif: immunocompromised individuals, children under 6, pregnant women, or those taking antibiotics (wait 3 days post-antibiotics)
- •Oral Vivotif: avoid concurrent use with proguanil (in Malarone) — discuss timing with physician
- •Severe allergy to any vaccine component
Destinations where Typhoid is recommended
Full destination guides for Typhoid travel
Explore our country guides — each covers the full vaccine plan, malaria risk, local health considerations, and FAQs.
Side effects & safety
- Injectable: mild soreness at injection site, occasionally low-grade fever
- Oral: occasional mild GI upset — uncommon
- Both forms: very safe overall with excellent tolerability profiles
Key facts
- 1Neither vaccine is 100% effective — food and water precautions remain essential alongside vaccination
- 2XDR typhoid in South Asia is resistant to most antibiotics — vaccination is the best prevention strategy
- 3Oral Vivotif provides longer protection (~5–7 years) but requires cold storage and cannot be taken with antibiotics
- 4VFR travellers (visiting family abroad) are at HIGHER risk than tourists — do not skip vaccination
Get vaccinated at our Toronto travel clinic
Book a virtual consultation with our ISTM CTH® physicians, then visit our Toronto pharmacy for vaccination. We serve patients from across the GTA — including Mississauga, Etobicoke, and across Toronto.
Need the typhoid for your trip?
Book a virtual consultation with a licensed Canadian physician. We'll review your itinerary, issue the prescription, and administer the vaccine at our Toronto pharmacy.
Book your consultationFrequently asked: Typhoid Vaccine
How much does the typhoid vaccine cost in Canada?
Injectable typhoid vaccine (Typhim Vi or Typherix) costs approximately $60–$100 per dose in Canada. Oral Vivotif (4-capsule course) costs approximately $70–$110. The physician consultation is billed separately. Many extended health benefit plans cover typhoid vaccination — we provide official receipts for reimbursement. Not covered by OHIP.
Which typhoid vaccine is better — oral or injectable?
Both are effective. The injectable (single dose) is simpler for one-time travellers or those departing soon. Oral Vivotif provides longer protection (~5–7 years vs ~3 years) and is better for frequent travellers to endemic regions. Our physician recommends based on your travel frequency, departure timeline, health history, and current medications.
Do I need typhoid vaccine for India?
Yes — typhoid is strongly recommended for all India travellers, including short urban stays. India has one of the highest typhoid burdens globally and XDR typhoid (resistant to most antibiotics) is increasingly widespread in South Asia. Vaccination is far more reliable than depending on antibiotic treatment.
How long before travel do I need the typhoid vaccine?
Injectable: at least 2 weeks before travel. Oral Vivotif: start at least 3 weeks before departure (7-day course finishing at least 1 week before travel). For last-minute travel, the injectable option is faster. Even 10 days before travel, the injectable is worth getting.
Can I take oral typhoid and Malarone at the same time?
Space them apart — Malarone contains proguanil which may interfere with live Vivotif vaccine effectiveness. Complete the Vivotif course before starting Malarone, or start Malarone after the last Vivotif capsule. Our physician coordinates the timing at your pre-travel consultation.
Is typhoid vaccine necessary for Thailand?
Yes — typhoid is recommended for Thailand travellers who will eat outside their hotel compound, which applies to virtually all visitors. Thailand has year-round typhoid risk especially in local restaurants and street food settings. Both injectable and oral options are appropriate.
How many doses of Typhoid vaccine do I need?
For the injectable Typhim Vi vaccine: one dose, with a booster every 2–3 years if you remain at risk. For the oral Vivotif: 4 capsules taken on alternate days (Days 1, 3, 5, 7). The oral vaccine requires refrigeration. The injectable option is faster and simpler for most travellers; your physician will recommend based on your timeline.
Related reading
Explore other travel vaccines
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Recommendations vary based on your health history, destination, and planned activities. A consultation with our licensed physician is required before any prescription or vaccine is issued.