Editing Typhoid Vaccine in Bangladesh

Typhoid fever remains a major public health concern in Bangladesh, especially among children. Contaminated water, poor sanitation, and rising antibiotic resistance make prevention crucial. Recently, the government announced a '''[https://vaxepi.gov.bd/registration/tcv nationwide typhoid vaccination campaign 2025]''' under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). This is the first time a campaign of this scale is being rolled out across the country.

''(source: BSS News / TBS News)''
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== Typhoid and Why Vaccination Matters ==

* '''What is typhoid?'''  Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium ''Salmonella enterica'' serovar Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food or water and causes high fever, abdominal pain, rash, and can lead to severe complications if untreated.
* '''Disease burden in Bangladesh'''  Bangladesh is among the countries with '''highest rates of typhoid globally'''. In 2021, it was estimated to have around '''477,518 typhoid cases''' — about 290 cases per 100,000 people. Over 60% of those cases occurred in children under 15 years old.  ''(source: Coalition Against Typhoid fact sheet)''
* '''Drug resistance threat'''  Newer strains of typhoid are resistant to several antibiotics. Vaccination helps reduce use of antibiotics, slowing resistance emergence.
* '''Vaccine effectiveness'''  Recent studies in Dhaka found that '''typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs)''' showed around '''85% efficacy''' in children aged 9 months to 15 years.  ''(source: Gavi report)''

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== The 2025 Bangladesh Typhoid Vaccination Campaign ==

=== Launch & Scope ===

* The nationwide campaign begins on '''12 October 2025''' and will run until '''13 November 2025'''.  ''(source: TBS News / BSS News)''
* It targets '''children aged 9 months to under 15 years'''.  ''(source: DGHS, BSS)''
* Approximately '''5 crore (50 million)''' children and adolescents across Bangladesh will receive the vaccine free of cost.  ''(source: TBS / The Business Standard)''

=== Delivery Strategy ===

* '''School-based vaccination''' during the first 10 working days: children from pre-primary up to class IX will be vaccinated in schools.  ''(source: BSS News / DGHS statements)''
* '''Community and EPI centers''': for children not attending school or those who miss school-based rounds.  ''(source: DGHS press releases)''
* '''No birth certificate required''': children without registration can still receive the vaccine by registering with parents’ mobile numbers.  ''(source: Health Adviser public statements / TBS News)''

=== Registration and Doses ===

* Registration began earlier (August) — by mid-September, nearly '''8.9 million children''' had registered out of the 50 million target.  ''(source: bdnews24)''
* The vaccine used is a '''single-dose injectable typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV)'''.
* Safety is emphasized: the vaccine is '''pre-qualified by WHO''', and the government assures parents that it is safe and fully vetted.  ''(source: TBS, The Business Standard)''

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== Advantages of Typhoid Conjugate Vaccines (TCVs) ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Feature
!Benefit
|-
|'''Single dose'''
|Easier logistics, higher compliance
|-
|'''Longer protection'''
|Protection likely for 4–5 years or more
|-
|'''Suitable for young children'''
|Can be given from age 6+ months, unlike older vaccines
|-
|'''Better response'''
|More potent immunity than older polysaccharide vaccines
|}
Older typhoid vaccines (like Vi polysaccharide) have lower efficacy, shorter protection, and limited use in younger children.
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== Who Should Get It / Who Should Avoid ==

=== Eligible ===

* All children from '''9 months up to 15 years'''
* Children who may not have been to school (via community routes)

=== Precautions / Contraindications ===

* Children with severe allergic reactions to prior dose or vaccine components
* Those with acute illness (vaccination may be delayed until recovery)
* Consultation for immunocompromised children is recommended

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== What Parents Should Do ==

# '''Register early''' — during the registration window
# '''Ensure child is healthy''' — mild illnesses usually okay; severe fever may delay shot
# '''Bring valid identification or mobile registration info''' — even if no birth certificate
# '''Expect some side effects''' — mild pain, swelling, low fever, which resolve quickly
# '''Continue hygiene practices''' — vaccination complements, not replaces, good sanitation

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== Challenges & Considerations ==

* '''Logistics''': Reaching remote and rural communities, cold chain management
* '''Awareness & Trust''': Some families may hesitate — need strong community engagement
* '''Vaccine supply''': Ensuring sufficient doses; backup plans essential
* '''Monitoring''': Post-vaccination surveillance for adverse events and impact

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== Early Indicators & Public Response ==

* Many children have already registered — '''8.9 million registrations''' recorded before campaign start.  ''(source: bdnews24)''
* Public messages emphasize that the vaccine is '''safe and non-experimental'''.  ''(source: The Business Standard / TBS News)''
* Some delays earlier: the campaign was originally planned to begin 1 September but was postponed to 12 October due to preparation delays.  ''(source: bdnews24)''

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== Long-Term Outlook ==
This campaign marks a '''historic public health milestone''' for Bangladesh. If successful, it can:

* Dramatically reduce typhoid incidence
* Save many lives, particularly among children
* Reduce antibiotic usage and resistance
* Serve as model for other endemic countries

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== FAQs — Typhoid Vaccine in Bangladesh ==
'''Q1. When does the vaccine campaign start?'''

12 October 2025 and runs till 13 November 2025.

'''Q2. Who is eligible?'''

Children aged 9 months up to under 15 years across Bangladesh.

'''Q3. How many children are targeted?'''

About 50 million (5 crore) children and adolescents.

'''Q4. Do I need a birth certificate?'''

No — registration and vaccination will proceed even without a certificate.

'''Q5. Is the vaccine safe?'''

Yes — it is WHO-prequalified, tested, and government statements emphasize full safety.

Note: For any update and info, please visit [https://vaxepi.gov.bd/ Official Website].