What is Typhoid?

Typhoid is a potentially serious illness which is spread through contaminated food and water. India accounts for 30%-40% of all Typhoid cases in the world. Typhoid occurs with equal frequency in pre-school children and infants. In India, the incidence of Typhoid in the first year of life, is very high.

The germ causing Typhoid is becoming increasingly resistant to the commonly used antibiotics, making Typhoid treatment complicated and expensive.

Typhoid generally presents with fever, stomach pain, loose stools, cough. If undetected and untreated in the first week, Typhoid may need hospitalization for effective treatment.

The vaccine is effective in preventing Typhoid disease.

Which are the vaccines available against Typhoid?

2 types of vaccines against Typhoid are available:

1. Typhoid polysaccharide vaccine

2. Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV)

The TCV is the preferred vaccine.

What is the schedule of TCV?

A single dose is administered between 6-9 months of age. The vaccine is licensed for use, till 45 years of age.

As of now, boosters are not recommended.

How safe is the TCV?

Side effects of the vaccine include fever, pain and swelling at the site of the injection. Generally, it is a safe vaccine.

Who should receive this vaccine?

All infants after the age of 6 months and children should receive this vaccine. Children who had Typhoid in the past, should also receive this vaccine.

Who should not receive the vaccine?

Any child who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of any Typhoid vaccine or has known severe allergy to any of the constituents of the vaccine, should not receive the vaccine.