6–12 Month Vaccines
Typhoid Vaccine (TCV) Side Effects in Babies & Children
A sore injection spot, a mild fever and a tired, off-food day are the usual TCV reactions — they typically settle within one to three days.
Written and fact-checked by the ParentVibes editorial team against WHO, IAP, CDC and NHS immunisation guidance. Not yet reviewed by a named clinician.
Quick facts
- Usually given
- From 6–9 months, single dose (TCV)
- How it's given
- Injection — thigh in infants, arm in older children
- Protects against
- Typhoid fever
- Typical reaction
- Sore site, mild fever, tiredness
- Usually settles in
- 1–3 days
The typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) protects your child against typhoid fever — a bacterial illness spread through contaminated food and water that causes prolonged high fever, tummy pain and weakness. Typhoid remains common in many parts of India, which is exactly why this vaccine matters: it guards your child against an illness they may well be exposed to.
TCV is the modern, improved typhoid vaccine. Unlike older versions, it works from as early as 6 months of age and needs only a single dose in the primary schedule, with lasting protection. Its side effects are usually mild and short — a sore injection spot, perhaps a mild fever and a tired day — and knowing what's expected makes the day much easier.
What the typhoid conjugate vaccine is
TCV is a conjugate vaccine — it links part of the typhoid bacterium to a carrier protein so that even a baby's immune system can build strong, long-lasting protection. It is an inactivated vaccine and cannot cause typhoid. It is given as a single injection: into the thigh for infants and into the upper arm for older children.
On the IAP schedule, TCV is recommended from 6 months of age, which is a real advantage — earlier typhoid vaccines could not be given to such young children. Because typhoid circulates widely in India, protecting your child early is a sensible, practical safeguard, especially before the toddler years when children start exploring and putting things in their mouths.
Why typhoid protection matters here
Typhoid is still common across much of India, spreading through contaminated food and water. A single TCV dose gives your child durable protection against an illness they have a real chance of encountering.
Common typhoid vaccine side effects
TCV is well tolerated. Most reactions are mild, local to the injection, and pass within a couple of days.
Pain or swelling at the injection site
The spot where the injection was given — the thigh in babies or the upper arm in older children — is often sore, and may look a little red or swollen. This is the most common effect and usually eases within a day or two.
Low-grade fever
A mild temperature in the first day or so is common as the immune system responds. It usually settles by itself and responds well to simple comfort measures.
Headache or body-ache in older children
Older children who can describe how they feel may mention a headache or aching muscles for a day. Babies can't tell you, but similar mild discomfort may show as fussiness.
Tiredness and feeling run-down
Feeling more tired or low on energy for a day after the vaccine is common. Extra rest is usually all that's needed.
Reduced appetite
Your child may eat or feed a little less on the day of the vaccine. Offer favourite foods or smaller, more frequent feeds; appetite usually returns within a day.
What's usually normal after the typhoid vaccine
TCV reactions are typically mild and predictable. These are signs of a normal response:
- A sore, slightly red or swollen injection site for one to two days.
- A mild fever in the first day or so that settles with comfort measures.
- A headache or achy muscles for a day in an older child.
- Feeling tired, quieter or more clingy than usual for a day.
- Eating or feeding a little less on the day of the vaccine.
- Your child brightening and returning to normal within one to three days.
How long typhoid vaccine side effects last
- Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site: usually 1–2 days.
- Low-grade fever: typically in the first day and gone within a day or so.
- Headache, body-ache and tiredness in older children: usually settle within 1–3 days.
- Reduced appetite: generally back to normal within a day.
- If fever or soreness is still worsening after three days rather than easing, have your child checked.
Short-lived by design
Most TCV effects come and go within one to three days. A reaction that drags on well beyond that, or a fever that climbs high, is worth a call to your paediatrician.
Home care after the typhoid vaccine
Rest, fluids and a little attention to the sore spot are usually all your child needs.
Fever, aches & fluids
- Offer plenty of fluids — breast milk, formula, water or age-appropriate drinks — to keep your child hydrated.
- Allow extra rest and keep the day quiet if your child is tired or achy.
- For fever, headache or body-ache that distresses your child, use paracetamol only in the dose your doctor has advised for your child's weight — never aspirin.
The injection site
- Hold a cool, clean, damp cloth gently on the sore spot for a few minutes to ease it.
- Let older children move the arm normally; gentle use reduces stiffness rather than resting it completely.
- Dress your child in loose clothing so nothing rubs or presses on the injection site.
Warning signs — see a doctor urgently
Serious reactions to TCV are rare, but seek urgent medical care if you notice:
Seek urgent medical care if your child has
- A very high fever of 40°C or above, or a fever in a baby under 3 months old.
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction — difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or widespread hives (usually within minutes to an hour).
- A fit or seizure, or your child becoming floppy, pale and unresponsive.
- Inconsolable crying in a baby that continues for more than about three hours.
- Your child looking seriously unwell, very drowsy, or much harder to rouse than usual.
- Spreading redness, heat or pus at the injection site, or an arm or leg too painful to move.
Call your doctor immediately — or go straight to the nearest emergency department.
🩺 Find a paediatricianIf your child has trouble breathing, facial swelling, a seizure or is unresponsive, go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
When to call your paediatrician
Not an emergency, but worth a call or a visit:
- Fever that lasts beyond three days or keeps climbing despite comfort measures.
- The injection site stays swollen, red or painful, or worsens after the first two days.
- Your child stays unusually tired, off food or low in energy for more than a couple of days.
- A high, prolonged fever with tummy pain weeks later — typhoid itself, which the vaccine reduces but does not entirely rule out, should always be checked.
- Anything that leaves you uneasy — a quick call for reassurance is always reasonable.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can my baby get the typhoid vaccine?
The typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) can be given from 6 months of age on the IAP schedule as a single dose. This is a real advantage over older typhoid vaccines, which could not be given to such young children.
Does the typhoid vaccine cause fever?
A mild, low-grade fever in the first day or so is a common and expected reaction as the immune system responds, and it usually settles with rest and fluids. A very high fever of 40°C or above, or a child who seems seriously unwell, should be seen urgently.
Is a sore arm after the typhoid injection normal?
Yes. Pain, slight redness or swelling at the injection site — the arm in older children, the thigh in babies — is the most common TCV effect and usually eases within a day or two. A cool damp cloth helps. See a doctor if the swelling spreads or becomes hot and very painful.
How many doses of the typhoid vaccine does my child need?
The typhoid conjugate vaccine is given as a single dose in the primary schedule and provides lasting protection. Ask your paediatrician about any booster later, but you do not need repeated doses the way older typhoid vaccines required.
Can my child still get typhoid after the vaccine?
The vaccine greatly reduces the risk of typhoid but no vaccine is 100% protective. Continue safe food and water habits, and if your child develops a prolonged high fever with tummy pain, have them checked — typhoid should still be considered.
Can the typhoid vaccine give my child typhoid?
No. TCV is an inactivated conjugate vaccine containing no live bacteria, so it cannot cause typhoid fever. Any mild fever afterwards is the immune system building protection, not the disease itself.
Your next steps
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Worried about a reaction, or due for the next dose? Find a trusted paediatrician near you.
Find a pediatricianRelated vaccine guides
Sources
- WHO — Vaccine safety and side effects
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) — Immunization guidelines
- CDC — Possible side effects from vaccines
- NHS — NHS vaccinations and when to have them
- WHO — Typhoid vaccines position paper
- CDC — Typhoid vaccination
Next review due: 6 January 2027.
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Medical disclaimer
This page is educational information about common vaccine reactions and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every child is different — always follow the guidance of your paediatrician or vaccination centre. If your child has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a fast heartbeat, hives all over, dizziness or weakness soon after a vaccine, or seems seriously unwell at any point, seek emergency medical care immediately. When in doubt, always get your child checked — it is never a waste of anyone's time.
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