Typhoid is a disease that can have serious consequences. A simple vaccine injection can help prevent this potentially fatal disease.
Cause of Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a serious infection caused by the typhoid bacteria, Salmonella typhi. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water. Some people who are sick can spread the disease to others, and are known as ‘carriers’. These carriers can spread the germ long after treatment.
symptoms of typhoid
Symptoms of the disease include high fever (up to 102°F – 104°F), headache, muscle aches, stomach pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, constipation or diarrhea and sometimes small pink spots on the torso. Rashes will occur. If untreated, typhoid fever can even cause death. Typhoid can be prevented by vaccination.
There are three types of typhoid vaccines available:
Typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) – given as an injection
Typhoid Vi polysaccharide vaccine (Vi PS) – given as an injection
Ty21a – given orally
Timing of Typhoid Vaccine Administration
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) vaccination schedule for children recommends typhoid vaccination with TCV at 9 months of age for 23 weeks, followed by a booster at 2 years of age given at 9–12 months. Is.
If Vi PS vaccine is used, it should be given at 2 years of age and vaccination should be repeated every 3 years. It should not be given to children under 2 years of age.
- The IAP recommends TCV over Vi PS whenever possible. If a dose is missed, catch-up vaccination during adolescence (up to 18 years) is recommended.
- Ty21a is a live oral vaccine given in tablet form. It should not be given to children under 6 years of age. It is given in 4 doses every alternate day of the week (Day 1, Day 3, Day 5 and Day 7).
- Travel vaccination against typhoid is also indicated in people who are not immunized and traveling to high-risk locations. The vaccine should be administered at least 1-2 weeks before travel.
- Talk to your doctor about when to give your child the typhoid vaccine.