Should You Get the Typhoid Vaccine? A Monsoon Must-Know for Families
The monsoon season in Indian households is accompanied by bouts of cough, cold, and fever. While most seasonal illnesses pass within a few days of rest, typhoid demands more attention.
Typhoid is caused by Salmonella typhi, a bacterium that spreads through contaminated food and water. It poses a significant public health risk during the monsoons, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation. Medical research and public health guidelines clearly indicate that vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent typhoid, but is it truly necessary? Let’s break it down.
Why is typhoid a risk during monsoons?
Typhoid spreads through the oral-faecal route, which means the bacteria travel from human waste into food or water. During the monsoon, heavy rainfall often leads to flooded drains, overflowing sewers and mixing of contaminated water with household supplies. This is particularly risky in densely populated areas and cities with a strained water infrastructure.
Add to this the higher consumption of roadside snacks and drinks during family outings, and you have a perfect storm. Studies from countries with similar conditions, such as Bangladesh, confirm what we observe in India each year. Cases of typhoid tend to rise between May and October, coinciding with the rainy season.
Who is at risk?
Children under 15
While typhoid was once thought to primarily affect school-aged children, new data suggest otherwise. In high-incidence areas, even infants and toddlers under the age of 5 exhibit high infection rates. In fact, children as young as 2 years are among the most affected during seasonal surges.
People in areas with poor water hygiene
People living in urban neighbourhoods that have limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation face a greater risk. Contaminated water is the most common cause of transmission, and this risk multiplies during the monsoon.
Families with school-going children
Children often drink from common taps, eat uncovered snacks or forget to wash their hands after using the toilet. Schools, daycares and playgrounds become easy places for bacteria to spread, which then comes home with your child.
Travellers
Since India is already a typhoid-endemic country, travel often means more exposure to contaminated food or water. Families with young children or those visiting areas with poor sanitation should consider getting a typhoid vaccination before travel. It’s a simple step that offers strong protection when you’re away from home.
Suggested Read – Tips to reduce chances of contracting typhoid when travelling
What you need to know about typhoid vaccines
India offers two main types of typhoid vaccines:
1. Vi Polysaccharide (Vi-PS) Vaccine
This vaccine is recommended only for children over the age of 2 years and cannot be administered to infants. It provides protection for upto 2 to 3 years.
2. Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV)
TCV can be given to children as young as 6 months of age, and provides protection for as long as 7 years. Not only is TCV proven to work on infants and toddlers, it can also be safely given alongside other childhood vaccines, including MMR.
Is vaccination enough to protect against typhoid?
Vaccination is your best defence against typhoid, but it should not be the only one. To stay safe from typhoid, following strong hygiene habits is a must. Since typhoid spreads through contaminated food and water, following the principles of WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) also play a pivotal role.
A few simple steps like drinking only treated water, washing your hands before and after eating as well as after using the washroom can make a big difference. If you or someone you know falls sick, make sure you visit the doctor and complete your prescribed antibiotic treatment before returning to work or school. Typhoid can be contagious even after fever symptoms improve.
Conclusion
Typhoid may be a serious illness, but it is preventable. Getting vaccinated is a smart, simple step. And when paired with good hygiene and clean water practices, it significantly lowers your family’s chances of falling ill. After all, preventive care is always the better option.
Consult your doctor today to learn more about typhoid vaccinations.
Resources
Disclaimer: A public awareness initiative by Bharat Biotech International Limited. This information is for general awareness only and does not constitute medical advice. The doctors, medical facilities and graphics shown are for illustrative purposes only. For any medical advice or any question or concern you may have regarding your condition, consult your doctor.