Will the typhoid vaccine lose its efficiency if kept at room temperature for some time?

Hi,

We welcome you to the icliniq.com family.

I appreciate the confidence you place in me for your healthcare consultation.

First of all, the live oral typhoid vaccine you are talking about is recommended to be taken at least one week before the date of travel. So, you can take it before one or two weeks too. Its validity is from three to five years, but your vaccine should be well-maintained. You said your vaccine was out at room temperature, which is bad, and you should be contacting the supplier-customer care as the live oral vaccine should never be kept at room temperature, but in the freezer between two to eight degrees Celsius always between doses. I think 20 minutes twice is quite a long time to be kept outside the recommended temperature.

Regarding malaria, there are medications to be taken (but they are not 100 percent protective) before travel (Atovaquone (antimicrobial), Proguanil (prophylactic anti-malarial), or Doxycycline (broad-spectrum antibiotic) before one to two days of travel and Mefloquine (anti-malarial) weekly for long travel, which you can take with the help from your local practitioner. As there are certain contraindications for these drugs, contact your local practitioner before starting them.

You will have to use an insect repellent but do use long-sleeved shirts, full pants, mosquito nets, and any repellent with active ingredients not less than 20 percent. But again, specific protection is a must, and you should reapply it in case you start getting insect bites. You might have to discuss your skin sensitivity with your local practitioner to find a good repellent that suits you.

I hope this information helps provide some insight into your symptoms.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.

Thank you.