Travelling with children can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with important health considerations. If your family is heading to a country where typhoid is common, vaccination is one of the best ways to protect against this serious bacterial infection. At Sudbury Court Pharmacy’s Harrow travel vaccination clinic, we regularly support parents with travel health advice and vaccinations for children of all ages.

Understanding how long the typhoid vaccine lasts, and when your child might need a booster, can help you plan your travel more effectively and keep your family safe.

When Children Should Get the Vaccine

The typhoid vaccine can be given to children from the age of two. In some cases, depending on risk and travel plans, younger children may also be assessed for vaccination. The timing of the vaccine is important, as protection takes at least one to two weeks to develop.

If you are travelling to parts of Asia, Africa, Central or South America, or anywhere with lower sanitation standards, your child may be at increased risk of exposure to typhoid. Children are often more vulnerable than adults because they may be less cautious about food and water safety. This makes timely vaccination an essential part of your travel preparation.

Booking the vaccine well before your departure allows time for it to take effect and ensures that other required travel vaccines can be given without rushing.

Duration of Protection in Younger Age Groups

How long the typhoid vaccine lasts depends on the type given. The injectable vaccine, which is commonly used for children, provides protection for around three years. This means that if your child was vaccinated for a previous trip and you are now travelling again within that period, they may not need another dose yet.

However, younger immune systems can sometimes respond differently, and your travel health professional may recommend a repeat dose sooner if your child’s risk is high or if you are visiting particularly affected areas. It is important to keep accurate vaccination records so you know exactly when your child had their last dose.

Booster Needs for Family Travel

If your child was vaccinated more than three years ago, a booster will be needed to ensure continued protection. For families who travel frequently to higher-risk areas, planning booster appointments is essential.

Boosters can be given at the same time as other travel vaccines, such as hepatitis A, to save time and reduce the number of clinic visits. At our Harrow travel vaccination clinic, we often recommend combining vaccines for convenience and better long-term coverage, especially for families visiting multiple destinations over several years.

Combining Typhoid with Other Childhood Travel Vaccines

When planning a trip, it’s rare that typhoid vaccination is the only requirement. Many destinations recommend or require additional vaccines for hepatitis A, yellow fever, or Japanese encephalitis, depending on the itinerary.

The good news is that the typhoid vaccine can often be given alongside other vaccines. For children, there are also combination vaccines available, such as the hepatitis A and typhoid injection, which can be a practical choice for multi-country trips.

By discussing your travel plans early with a travel health professional, you can create a schedule that fits all the necessary vaccines without overwhelming your child with too many injections at once. Reach out today to find out how we can ensure you enjoy healthy travels.

Planning Ahead for School Holidays Abroad

School holidays are a popular time for family travel, but they can also be the busiest periods for travel clinics. Many parents leave vaccinations until the last minute, which can make it harder to get an appointment or fit in multiple doses if they are required.

Ideally, you should start planning your child’s travel vaccinations at least six weeks before departure. This gives enough time for the vaccine to take full effect and for any additional doses of other vaccines to be completed. For longer trips, or if your child has a complex medical history, you may need even more time to prepare.

At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, our Harrow travel vaccination clinic provides flexible appointment times to fit around school schedules and family commitments. We can also review your child’s NHS vaccination history to check for any existing coverage before giving travel vaccines, ensuring no unnecessary doses are given.

By planning ahead and understanding how long the typhoid vaccine lasts for children, you can protect your family against a serious illness and enjoy your travels with peace of mind.

This blog was written on behalf of Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.