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As a parent, you would want to keep your child away from infections. You can prevent several infections by getting your child vaccinated in time. Of the many illnesses that can be prevented by a vaccine, typhoid is one. Follow the right typhoid vaccination schedule for your kid, and you can protect them from it.
The typhoid vaccine may not be a part of your child’s routine vaccinations. So when and how should you get this vaccine for your kid? Read this MomJunction post to find out about the importance of typhoid vaccination, when your child should get it and its side-effects, if any.
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.
1. 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).
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 two years. It is best suited for adults and children who are older than two years of age (3).
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:
- Inactivated typhoid vaccine or Typhim Vi: For kids older than two years but less than six, a Typhim Vi shot shall be given at least two weeks before the travel date or expected exposure.
- Live typhoid vaccine or Ty21a: Children who are six years and older may be given a Ty21a capsule at least one week before traveling to risk-prone countries or possible exposure.
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).
| Age | Vaccine | Dose | Booster |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 6 years | Typhim Vi | Single | After 2 years |
| > 6 years | Ty21a | Four (one every 48 hours) | After 2 years |
For children living in countries where typhoid fever is common, the vaccination schedule is as follows (6) (7):
| Age | Vaccine | Dose | Booster |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 to 12 months | Typhoid conjugate vaccine | Single | After 2 years |
| 18 months to 2 years | Typhoid conjugate vaccine – booster | Single | After 2 years |
| 4 to 6 years | Typhoid conjugate vaccine – booster | Single | – |
Who Should Not Get The Typhoid Vaccine?
In some cases, a typhoid vaccine could result in allergic reactions. Therefore, these children should not get the typhoid vaccine or must wait until they outgrow the allergy or the doctor thinks it’s safe to get the vaccine (8).
- Ideally for children aged nine months or less. Some vaccines may be given once the child is older than six months, especially in typhoid endemic countries (2).
- Anyone allergic to a particular component of the vaccine must avoid typhoid vaccination.
- Children who’ve had a mild or severe reaction to the previous dose of this vaccine must not get the subsequent or booster dose.
- Children who are not in perfect health and have any minor illnesses should wait until they recover before getting the typhoid vaccination.
- If the child is on antibiotics, you must wait for 72 hours after the last dose before getting typhoid vaccination.
- Most importantly, anyone who has a weak immune system or is undergoing treatment for life-threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS or cancer must not get the typhoid vaccine.
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:
- Mild fever or headache after taking either the injection or oral vaccine.
- Swelling or redness around the site of injection.
- Nausea, stomach pain or vomiting.
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.
The typhoid vaccination keeps your child safe from the painful symptoms of the infection. While it can be treated, getting a typhoid vaccination in time is better and would be highly beneficial in keeping your child secure from this infection.
Is your child vaccinated for typhoid? Share your experiences about it, in the comment section below.