Travellers warned of increased risk of typhoid

Health Posted on 10/10/2012

•  
•  
•  

Thousands of travellers have been warned that they may be at risk from typhoid, after a French manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur recalled 16 batches of its vaccine Typhim Vi.

Travellers who have recently returned from typhoid areas abroad and are feeling unwell have been advised to consult their GP immediately.

Symptoms of the disease can include fever, headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting and in some cases a rash.

The manufacturer was said to be concerned that the vaccine was too weak, giving its recipients an elevated chance of contracting the disease.

The company, which supplies around 88% of the UK's typhoid vaccines, has recalled all those distributed since 7 January 2011.

The Independent reported Ian Holloway, of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, as saying "There are no concerns over the safety of this vaccine but the recall has taken place because the vaccine may not be as effective as it should be."

•  
•  
•  

In brief : Health