typhoid shot?
 

I'm planning a 12 day trip to Costa Rica travelling up and down the country. Are the mosquitoes bad enough to merit a typhoid shot? Did all those who recently travelled get a shot?

Typhoid is from eating contaminated food. It is not required for CR, I would think you would need it only if you were planning on eating at some very dodgy places.

oh, a bit embarrassed by my mosquito assumption - thanks for the clarification!

Also, in addition to the injection for typhoid, there is an oral vaccine. The injectable form offers protection for two years, the pills for five. We seem to be spending more and more time in Central America, so last spring we finally got the vaccine. Jean

The typhoid vaccine is recommended for travel to any developing countries. Unfortunately, you can get typhoid anywhere, even in nice restaurants. All it takes is a food handler who is a typhoid carrier to not wash their hands after going to the bathroom. The problem is that many people carry the disease but don't know it. Also, people who no longer have symptoms can still spread it for up to a year or more. I personally have been getting the shot every two years, since I travel quite a bit. Next time, I may try the oral vaccine, since it lasts longer, although I've heard it can upset your stomach. Typhoid is much more prevelant in touristy areas than most people realize. For example, Cancun has a very high rate of Typhoid, even amongst tourists.

I refused the "old" vaccine many years ago as it was not very effective and had some real side effects.
Both of the current vaccines are still only 50-80% effective (cdc web site), but with way fewer problems.
I have been in a handful of remote areas in Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama in the last few years and no one has recommended I get typhoid vaccine.
Choose your food and drink with care.
M

We've never given it a thought and have eaten all over the place in Costa Rica, and aren't worried about it at all. However, that's all rather beside the point--if you have some concerns and it would make you feel more comfortable, then you should take the precaution.

For what it's worth, our health provider gave us malaria pills and hepatitis shots (not sure which strain).

He mentioned typhoid, but I seem to recall he said the vaccine's effectiveness wasn't great, and our likelihood to contract typhoid wasn't great, so didn't recommend us taking it.

Again, as mentioned by others, you should go with what makes you feel comfortable. We are going in a couple of weeks, and hopefully won't come across any typhoid!