Typhoid Vaccine for Children: When and Why it’s Important
Typhoid is a bacterial infection, and children are especially at risk of contracting the disease due to their exposure to contaminated food and water, along with the poor hygiene practices at school. Typhoid is easily preventable with the typhoid vaccine. In this blog, we will cover why children are at risk, what the available vaccines are, and whether or not it is safe to take them.
What is typhoid, and why are children at risk?
Typhoid is caused by Salmonella typhi, and it is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestines. It’s a systemic infection that, if not treated on time, can affect multiple organs and be life-threatening.[2,4]
Children are at a higher risk of falling sick because their immune system is still developing. If they are exposed to food and water that is contaminated, they have a higher chance of contracting the disease. Further, in spaces like schools, they might be sharing their lunches and water bottles. They might not have fully developed hygiene practices either, leading to an increased risk of ingesting the bacteria accidentally.[2,3,4]
What is the typhoid vaccine?
The typhoid vaccine for children helps you stay protected against Salmonella typhi by stimulating your immune system to protect itself against the bacteria. In India, we have two main types of typhoid vaccines for children and adults available: the Vi Polysaccharide (Vi-PS) vaccines and the Vi conjugate vaccines or typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs).[3,4]
TCVs provide a stronger immune response and a longer protection period when compared to Vi-PS. TCVs have also shown high efficacy in children as young as 6 months and older.[1,3]
Since TCVs can be given to younger children and can be co-administered with MMR vaccines without any decreased effectiveness, it is recommended for use by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). Vi-PS is not safe for children under 2 years of age.[1,4]
When should children get the typhoid vaccine?
The typhoid conjugate vaccine is recommended for children as young as 6 months of age. In several studies, a single dose of TCV has been found to be effective in the first 2 years after vaccination. For children aged 2 and older, the vaccine continues to offer protection and provides longer-lasting immunity when compared to the Vi-PS vaccine.[3,4] However, it is best to talk to your doctor about the right typhoid vaccination age.
Types of typhoid vaccines for children
Vi Polysaccharide Vaccine (Vi-PS) is suitable for children aged 2 years and above. TCV is suitable for children from the age of 6 months onward.[1,3,4]
Why is the typhoid vaccine important for children?
The typhoid vaccine is important for children because it is one of the most effective ways to keep them protected from the disease. Since India is a typhoid endemic country, it helps to keep the disease at bay and boost typhoid prevention in children.[2,4]
Plus, the typhoid vaccine’s benefit for children is that getting vaccinated also limits the spread of antimicrobial resistant typhoid stains, which are dangerous as they don’t respond to common antibiotics.[3,4]
Is the typhoid vaccine safe for children?
Yes, the typhoid conjugate vaccine has been proven safe for children as young as 6 months of age. There are no serious typhoid vaccination side effects in children noted in TCV, and it is pre-qualified by the World Health Organization.[3] Most children experience only mild side effects, such as pain or swelling at the injection site.[4]
Conclusion
Typhoid fever remains a significant risk for children, especially in regions with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water. The typhoid vaccine is an essential preventive measure that provides long-lasting protection and helps reduce the risk of severe complications. To ensure your child is protected, consult your paediatrician about planning their typhoid vaccination.
FAQs
At what age should children get the typhoid vaccine?
TCV is safe for children as young as 6 months of age, and Vi-PS vaccine is suitable for children from the age of 2 years.
Is the typhoid vaccine mandatory?
No, the typhoid vaccine is not mandatory, but it is recommended by the WHO to keep the children safe.
How long does typhoid vaccine protection last?
Consult your doctor to know more about efficacy and booster doses.
Can vaccinated children still get typhoid?
While the typhoid vaccine significantly reduces the risk of contracting the disease, vaccinated children can still get typhoid, though it is likely to be milder than in unvaccinated children.
Is the typhoid vaccine safe with other childhood vaccines?
Yes, the typhoid conjugate vaccine is deemed safe for co-administration with MMR.
Resources
- https://blk-pediatric-practice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/purple-book-iap-guidebook-on-immunization-2022-2023.pdf
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358284134_Typhoid_fever_in_children_A_Review
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557513/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590136224001414
- https://iapindia.org/pdf/Ch-008-Enteric-Fever.pdf
Disclaimer: The content on this website is intended to provide general information about typhoid. It should not be considered medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.