LIMITATIONS OF TYPHOID VACCINATION FOR TRAVELERS

Around one-third of travellers to endemic areas receive pre-travel typ hoid vaccination, increasingly with the new parenteral vaccination Typ him Vi (Merieux). More than 200 cases of Salmonella typhi and S. parat yphi infection are imported into the UK each year. Despite the widespr ead use of immunisation, non-specialist clinicians and the travelling public do not appear to fully appreciate the limitations of currently available vaccination. These limitations are not adequately highlighte d in either the Green Book of Immunisation against Infectious Diseases (HMSO, 1992) or the new handbook Health Information for Overseas Trav el(HMSO, 1995) which are important sources of reference for clinicians and practice nurses. This may delay consideration of diagnosis and pr esentation for treatment in immunised travellers.