Typhoid vaccination campaign rescheduled to 12 October

The government has postponed the launch of its first-ever nationwide typhoid vaccination campaign to 12 October, shifting it from the earlier date of 1 September.

Under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), nearly five crore children aged between 9 months and under 15 years will receive the vaccine.

EPI Programme Manager Abul Fazal Md Shahabuddin Khan told The Business Standard that the vaccination campaign will start on 12 October. "For the first 10 days, the vaccine will be administered through school and madrasah campaigns and for the next eight days, it will be available at EPI centres."

He urged everyone to register as soon as possible.

Registration for the vaccine began on 1 August via https://vaxepi.gov.bd/registration/tcv, requiring a 17-digit birth certificate number. After registering, recipients must download their vaccine card. Those registering with a birth registration card will receive the vaccine card directly.

Health Secretary Sayedur Rahman said, "Due to some pending preparations and the Durga Puja holidays, the vaccine could not be rolled out in September. It will be launched in October instead. This is a safe vaccine."

"The single-dose injectable vaccine will provide 3–7 years of protection. The vaccines have been supplied through the Gavi Vaccine Alliance," he added.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, usually through ingestion of contaminated food or water. The acute illness is characterised by prolonged fever, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and constipation or sometimes diarrhoea. Symptoms are often non-specific and clinically indistinguishable from other febrile illnesses. 

However, clinical severity varies and severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death. It occurs predominantly in association with poor sanitation and lack of clean drinking water.

An estimated 9 million cases and 110,000 typhoid-related deaths occur annually worldwide.

Nothing to worry about the vaccine: Experts

Many parents are conflicted about whether to give their children the typhoid vaccine. Many are worried about possible side effects.

Ahsan Habib, a private-sector employee who is also in a dilemma on whether to vaccinate his three-year-old daughter this year, told TBS, "This is the first time the typhoid vaccine will be given, so I am afraid. I am thinking of skipping this year's campaign and vaccinating my daughter next year. That's why I haven't registered this year."

Dr Nizam Uddin Ahmed, chair of the GAVI CSO Steering Committee, said this is a 100% safe vaccine.

"There is no reason to be afraid of the typhoid vaccine. This vaccine is administered in many countries around the world," he said.

"Previously, it was available only for purchase in the private sector, but now the government will provide it free of charge to around 45 to 50 million children," he added.

Abul Fazal said that the typhoid vaccine has been available in the country for a long time. Previously, parents bought the vaccine privately to give to their children. This time, it will be provided free of charge by the government.

Like any medicine, side effects are possible with this vaccine as well, he said. "However, there are no major side effects of this vaccine. It is a safe vaccine."

Three typhoid vaccines are currently recommended by WHO for control of endemic and epidemic typhoid fever. Among the available typhoid vaccines, TCV is preferred at all ages for routine programmatic use in view of its improved immunological properties, suitability for use in younger children and expected longer duration of protection.

WHO further recommends that all typhoid fever vaccination programmes should be implemented in the context of other efforts to control the disease, including health education, water quality and sanitation improvements, and training of health professionals in diagnosis and treatment.