Typhoid Vaccine (TCV) For Babies - When to Give, Variants and Precautions

We are aware of how many infections – bacterial and viral, affect some countries more than others. Developed countries are cleaner, well-vaccinated, and safer from many infections. Developing countries like India with a huge population and below-average sanitation in many parts are prone to several infections. And there are several vaccinations to help prevent certain dangerous bacterial infections in babies. In this article, we will discuss in depth about typhoid vaccine for babies.

What is Typhoid?

Typhoid is a common bacterial infection that affects both adults and children. It can spread throughout the body and if not treated immediately, can affect multiple organs too. It can affect the cognitive and physical development in babies and children. Salmonella typhi is the bacteria that causes typhoid. It is related to the salmonella bacteria, which is infamous for causing food poisoning. Typhoid too, spreads through contaminated food and water.

It is a highly contagious infection that can spread from one person to another if they come in contact with the infected person’s urine or stool. This is why it is more prevalent in countries with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

Typhoid Vaccine For Babies and Its Variants

Typhoid is a serious disease and vaccination can help prevent it to a great extent. In many developing nations, typhoid vaccines are part of a baby’s vaccination list. When it comes to vaccination for typhoid, there are three variants:

1. Live Vaccine

This is an oral typhoid vaccine. It is given orally, spread across four courses within a span of one week. The effect can last for about 5 years.

2. ViCPS

This is an injection that offers protection against typhoid for 2 years. It requires a booster dose every 2 years.

3. Typhoid Conjugate Vaccines (TCV)

An intramuscular injection that is long-lasting and may not need a second dose at all. Studies are underway to confirm this. Currently 2 TCVs – Typbar and TYPHIBEV, both manufactured in India, are approved by the WHO as safe and effective vaccines for babies over 6 months of age, requiring no additional doses.

[Read : Are Vaccines Really Safe for My Babies?]

Who Should Get the Typhoid Vaccine?

Everyone should get the vaccine if they want to avoid being infected by this bacterium. Since it is easily communicable, one can contract the infection even if an infected person is just visiting them for a few minutes.

Asia, Africa, and other developing nations with enormous populations include this vaccination in their routine list of vaccines for babies. For other nationals, even if it is not compulsory, it is advisable to get the typhoid vaccine if they plan to travel.

When Should You Consider Typhoid Vaccine For Babies?

Since the approval of Typbar TCV in late 2017, babies as young as 6 months old are eligible for this vaccine. The other TCV – TYPHIVEB is recommended for babies above 9 months of age. Either way, babies below the age of 1 year are eligible for the vaccine.

If you opt for the other two variants of the typhoid vaccine for babies, the eligibility will differ, the intramuscular shot can be given to children more than 2 years old, and the oral vaccine is for children who are 6 years or older.

What is the Typhoid Vaccination Schedule For Babies?

Different typhoid vaccines have different schedules:

TCV requires only one dose and is given around 9-12 months of age.
Ty21a is given after 6 years of age and requires 4 doses over the course of 1 week.
ViCPS is given after 2 years of age and requires a booster dose every 2 years.

Who Should Not Get the Typhoid Vaccine?

It is important to get the typhoid vaccine as it is a highly communicable disease and is prevalent in developing nations. If not treated at the earliest, it can cause severe damage to the organs. However, not everyone can get this vaccine.

There are 3 types of vaccines and each of them has a minimum age limit. Children below this minimum age requirement should not get the vaccine.
For others over these age limits, if there was a reaction to the previous dose or any components of the vaccine, they should not get the vaccine without fully informing their doctor about the reactions and getting approval for the vaccine.
If your immune system is weak due to an underlying illness, you should consult a doctor and get the vaccine only after they feel it is safe.

[Read : 10 Ways to Ease Your Baby’s Vaccination Pain]

Are There Any Side Effects of Typhoid Vaccine For Babies?

Like many other vaccinations, the TCV also has some minor side effects such as

Redness or swelling at the site of injection
Fever
Itching
Pain at the site of injection
Discomfort

Side effects or negative reactions to the vaccine are very rare. You may not experience anything severe with any of the vaccines.

The above-mentioned side effects are very common for most vaccines. They are generally mild and subside in a day or two. In most cases, it is just the body processing the new virus introduced into the body.

[Read : Side Effects of Vaccines in Babies]

What Are the Precautions to Take After Typhoid Vaccine For Babies?

Vaccines do not offer complete protection from typhoid. Infection is possible despite vaccination, but chances are very low. So, if you live in or are traveling to areas where typhoid is prevalent, ensure that you –

Don’t eat fruits and vegetables that are not washed and cleaned properly.
Drink only packaged water or after boiling the tap water.
Don’t get too close to typhoid carriers.
Don’t share food or water with an infected person.

Typhoid, though not uncommon, cannot be taken lightly. It can cause severe health issues if not caught and treated in time. Vaccinations help prevent such infections. Typhoid vaccination for babies can help keep your baby safe from this debilitating disease. You can talk to your pediatrician or visit a health center to know more about dosages and the ideal time to get your baby vaccinated.

FAQ’s

1. Is TCV Booster Necessary in India?

No, as per research and WHO guidelines, one dose of this vaccine is enough. Research is still underway to confirm whether booster doses are required or not. The other types of vaccines will require booster doses.

2. Is the Typhoid Vaccine For Babies Effective Immediately?

The vaccine will take at least a week to take effect, if you are taking the vaccine before travel, it is advisable to get the vaccine a good two weeks before travel, to give the vaccine enough time to take effect.

3. How Long is Typhoid Vaccine Valid?

Different types of vaccines have different validity. While the TCV is valid for a long time and does not require any additional doses, the oral vaccine is valid only for five years. The ViCPS requires a booster dose every two to three years.

4. What is the Normal Range of Typhoid Fever in Babies?

Typhoid can cause a very high fever between the range of 103–104°F. Fever can be lesser with other symptoms as well.

5. Is There Typhoid Without Fever?

Fever is your body’s way of letting you know that the body has recognized the infection and is fighting it. High fever is an important symptom of typhoid. Sometimes typhoid can present itself without a fever but might have other symptoms. Your doctor will confirm the diagnosis with a blood test.

6. Does Typhoid Cause Cough in Babies?

Typhoid has typical flu-like symptoms. It causes high-grade fever, sore throat, and cough. The cough is dry and can get worse with time if not treated in time. Only antibiotics are strong enough to help recover from this cough.

Typhoid Vaccine (TCV) For Babies – When to Give, Variants and Precautions

What is Typhoid?