Typhoid fever can be prevented with vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the typhoid vaccine for kids who live in high-risk areas. You may ask the pediatrician to know the requirement of the typhoid vaccine for your child since it may not be included in the child’s routine immunization schedule. The type of vaccine may vary depending on the child’s age. However, children older than two years can get typhoid vaccination. Read on to know more about the uses, side effects, and when to get the typhoid vaccine for children.
What Is Typhoid?
Typhoid is a bacterial infection that can lead to acute illness. The infection is caused by the Salmonella typhimurium or Salmonella paratyphi bacteria and spreads through contaminated water and food (1). Sometimes, it can be contracted from an infected person also. This bacteria enters the body through the mouth and stays in the intestine for a couple of weeks before the symptoms of infection start showing. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and high fever, which can sometimes become severe.
The Typhoid Vaccine And Its Variants
The typhoid vaccination is a shot to prevent typhoid fever. While it ensures protection against the fever, it does not rule out the chances of the infection completely (1). Typhoid vaccine comes in three variations and must be taken at least one week before the potential exposure.
- Typbar-TCV: With one dose, this vaccine provides long-term immunity. The WHO suggests that it can be given to children over six months of age, living in countries where typhoid is endemic. It can be either integrated with the routine vaccinations or taken separately (2).
- Inactivated typhoid vaccine or Typhim Vi: Also known as ViCPS, this vaccine is given in one single injection. A single dose protects for about two years, after which a booster dose would be required at an interval of every three years. It is best suited for adults and children who are older than two years of age (3).
- Live typhoid vaccine or Ty21a: Taken orally, this vaccine is ideal for adults and children over the age of six years (3). It should be taken in four doses, at an interval of 48 hours each. The capsule must be taken with a drink, before a meal, and should not be chewed. This will ensure protection against the infection for two years. Revaccination is necessary every five years, and a booster pill should be taken every two years in the case of continuous exposure to the infection.
Who Should Get The Typhoid Vaccine?
The World Health Organization recommends routine typhoid vaccination for children living in high-risk countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh (4). People who are traveling to these countries are advised to get the typhoid vaccination too. To ensure safety, anyone coming in contact with an infected person must get the typhoid vaccination.
When Should The Child Get The Typhoid Vaccination?
In countries where typhoid vaccination is not a part of the routine immunization schedule for kids, these standard guidelines apply:
What is the typhoid vaccination schedule?
The typhoid vaccination schedule varies from one country to another. If you live in a country where typhoid vaccination is not a part of the routine vaccinations for children, then the following schedule is to be followed, at least one week before possible exposure (5). For children living in countries where typhoid fever is common, the vaccination schedule is as follows (6) (7):
Who Should Not Get The Typhoid Vaccine?
The only absolute contraindication of typhoid vaccine is history of severe allergic reaction to the previous dose (8). Otherwise it is a safe vaccine to opt for. Check with a pediatrician about the suitability and possible risks of the vaccine for your children. Check with a pediatrician about the suitability and possible risks of the vaccine for your kids.
What Are The Risks And Side Effects Of Typhoid Vaccine?
As with any other vaccination or medicine, the typhoid vaccination may also have a few side-effects. The probable risks of a typhoid vaccination are:
What If There Is A Serious Reaction?
Some severe reactions may include diarrhea, behavioral changes, dizziness, swelling in the throat, high temperature or fever. In the case of one or more of these side-effects, visit the doctor for medical aid (9).
Precautions After The Typhoid Vaccination
A typhoid vaccination does not guarantee complete immunity against the infection. Therefore, it is advisable to adopt the following safety measures after immunization to minimize the risk further:
Drink only bottled water.
Do not consume any fruit or vegetable without washing and disinfecting thoroughly.
Do not share items of personal hygiene with anyone. Avoid any direct or indirect contact with a typhoid carrier or an infected person.
