Typhoid Vaccine Schedule For Children

Typhoid, a rather common occurrence in developing India. It springs up on ingestion of the organism which takes place via the fecal oral route, that is to say, the fecal matter of an infected individual is consumed by an unsuspecting person through contaminated food or water. What happens next is nothing short of frightening. Salmonella typhi or the culprit with regards to the disease, inhabits the small intestine from where it moves onto the liver, spleen and bone marrow. It does so with the help of the red blood cells. It multiplies radically and that’s when the victim begins to show symptoms:

1. Fever

2. Aches and Pains

3. Loss of Appetite

4. Diarrhea

This horror show goes on for about a month, at the end of which a person has lost considerable weight is constantly lethargic. Unfortunately, in some cases, the bacteria perforates the intestine, proving fatal. In countries like ours where typhoid is on the rise, one ought to shield their children against it or their immune systems might not stand a chance.

There are two kinds of typhoid vaccines that could be administered to your little one and it would really make a difference.

Ty21a

It is an orally administered form of the vaccine consisting of weakened bacteria. The dose is completed in four capsules. The vaccine is taken every other day and is given to kids above the age of 6.

Polysaccharide

It is the polysaccharide coat of the bacteria that is introduced in the form of a vaccine injection. It is taken up by kids between the age of 2 and 6.

The side effects of these vaccines are mild and just include mild headaches or a short lived fever.

Who shouldn’t get the Vaccine?

1.Kids below the age of 2 should not be given the typhoid vaccine

2.People who are advised against the vaccine as they are allergic to components in it, are not required to take it up.

3.Anyone who is sick at the scheduled vaccination date shouldn’t go ahead with it.

4.Anyone who faced severe symptoms once they received their last typhoid vaccination should not take it up.

The typhoid vaccine is especially recommended if:

1.If one is travelling to an extremely typhoid prone area.

2.People in contact with a typhoid carrier

In Tropical countries like ours, typhoid wreaks havoc. It is important to put a stop to it and what better way to stop it than by vaccinating the future of our nation, our kids? Mummies, here’s your chance to make a difference, don’t let it pass you by. Don’t let your little bundle of joy, have joy taken away from his life.