Contracting typhoid can be quite distressing for either you or your loved ones, but there are safeguards set in place for its prevention. The best way to go about this is through typhoid vaccination, which can help reduce the chances of its occurrence. These are usually administered at specific stages of a person’s life and can be quite effective if timed accordingly. Learn more about typhoid vaccines and more in the following sections.
Typhoid is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. This is a highly contagious disease which is contracted by ingesting contaminated water and food. The symptoms of this disease can be high fever, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, etc.
Vaccination is necessary to prevent typhoid infection. Two types of vaccines are generally given; live attenuated typhoid vaccine, administered for children above the age of 6. The other is the inactivated polysaccharide vaccine for children above 2 years of age.
The cost of typhoid injection in India ranges between ₹1,500 - ₹2,000 per dose. You can find a couple of options in terms of typhoid vaccine prices in the market within the mentioned range. Moreover, it is one of the mandatory vaccine shots to be administered to a newborn baby and is given in two doses. However, it is not recommended to administer the vaccine on your own for a child or an adult.
Typhoid vaccines are administered for the following reasons:
Preservation of Intestinal Health
Typhoid disease which isn’t treated for longer durations can lead to intestinal bleeding. Holes may develop in it, resulting in its contents leaking into the stomach and causing nausea, severe stomach ache, sepsis, etc. Intestinal bleeding is a severe complication that may develop in the third week of the disease if it isn’t treated on time.
Avoiding Perforation
Another serious complication caused due to untreated typhoid fever is perforation. The typhoid bacteria living inside the digestive system can affect the lining of the stomach known as peritonitis. Since the abdomen lining has no in-built defence mechanism, the infection can spread into the blood and then to other organs.
High Prevalence of Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever cases are mostly found in the regions of South, Southeast, and East Asia, as well as the Caribbean, South, and Central America. It is estimated that about 90% of typhoid deaths today occur in Asia.
No medication can offer 100% protection against an illness if you do not take the necessary measures. Similarly, typhoid vaccines do not completely secure you against the risk of developing typhoid fever. Hence, it is recommended to take precautions while travelling and avoid eating contaminated water or food. In case you are going on a trip, you can choose to take the typhoid vaccine for adults after consulting your doctor.
The vaccines are administered depending on its type and a prescribed typhoid vaccine schedule:
Live Typhoid Vaccine
This type of vaccine is given orally in the form of capsules to people who are 6 years and older. Four capsules are prescribed, and each dose is to be taken every alternate day as per the typhoid vaccine schedule.
For those with travel plans, the last dose should be consumed at least a week before going on the trip. Each dose must be swallowed and not chewed an hour before your meals daily. For people who remain at risk, a booster dose is administered every 5 years as per the typhoid vaccine schedule.
Inactivated Typhoid Vaccine
This is a typhoid vaccine for kids aged above 2 years and for adults, which is administered through an injectable shot. At least 1 dose is given to people two weeks before their travel if any. For those who remain at constant risk, the shot is given once every 2 years. In case anyone has a serious reaction to the first dose of the inactivated typhoid vaccine, they should consult a medical professional before getting the second one.
A typhoid vaccine dose is generally given to adults and kids aged above 2 years and is highly advisable in the following cases:
International Travellers
People who might travel to typhoid-prevalent regions in the world need to get a vaccine dose at least two weeks before the travel date.
Poor Sanitation Areas
People who live in poorly sanitised areas may be exposed to the risk of typhoid-contaminated food or water, therefore requiring vaccination.
Contact with Typhoid Carriers
People who might be living along with typhoid-infected individuals must get a typhoid vaccine shot to prevent contracting it.
Lab Workers
Laboratory workers who work with typhoid-causing bacteria are advised to get a typhoid vaccine shot and secure themselves against any potential infection.
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Typhoid vaccine dose should not be administered to individuals in the following cases:
Children Below the Specified Age
Children younger than 2 years of age should not be given an inactivated vaccine shot and those under 6 years of age should not be given a live, attenuated vaccine.
Ailing People
People who are ill must wait to recover before getting their typhoid vaccine dose.
Adverse Reaction from First Shot
Persons with an adverse reaction to the first dose must abstain from the next doses, and visit a doctor for further instructions.
Severe Allergic Cases
Persons with severe allergies are advised against getting a typhoid vaccine without their doctor’s suggestion.
Low Immunity
Oral typhoid vaccine should not be given to people with weak immunity or those suffering from critical ailments such as HIV or cancer that may affect their immune system. They can opt for an injectable vaccine shot instead.
Miscellaneous Medication
People who are on antibiotics and blood thinners must consult doctors before getting an oral typhoid vaccine.
The typhoid vaccine is generally safe but not without side effects that are usually mild and temporary. Here are a few possible and common typhoid vaccine side effects:
Fever
Headache
Stomachache, nausea, rashes in case of the oral vaccine
Swelling or redness at the injection site, in case of inactivated vaccine
Typhoid fever, if left untreated, could prove to be fatal, resulting in a shorter lifespan of the affected person. As typhoid vaccines for adults and kids are now widely available, getting a typhoid vaccine dose in time provides immunity against any possible infection. While vaccination is a great preventive measure against typhoid infections, one must be prepared to face any severe, unexpected health emergencies.
Therefore, getting yourself and your family insured with the right health insurance coverage would be ideal. This can help ensure financial protection against the various medical costs incurred towards any critical illnesses during emergencies. Head over to Bajaj Markets to secure your family and yourself with a good health insurance plan today!
FAQs on Typhoid Vaccine
What is the primary cause of typhoid?
Typhoid disease is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella Typhi.
Which organs are affected by typhoid?
Typhoid is a bacterial infection that affects multiple body organs like the stomach, liver, muscles and more, depending on the infection’s severity.
How long does typhoid stay in your body?
The duration of typhoid is typically around 3 to 4 weeks on average.
What is the best cure for typhoid?
Typhoid is generally treatable with a wide range of antibiotics prescribed by doctors.
Is typhoid still around today?
While contracting typhoid can be rare, cases of the disease are commonly found in many less-developed countries around the world.
What is the typhoid vaccine price?
The typhoid vaccine cost differs from location to location. You can visit your local hospitals to check for the typhoid vaccine price and availability.
Is a typhoid vaccine compulsory?
Yes, typhoid vaccination is compulsory and should be administered as soon as a baby is born for the best results.
Which is better: typhoid injection or oral?
Typhoid injections require a booster after every 2 years, whereas the oral vaccine needs to be taken once every 5 years. Typhoid vaccines generally lose their effectiveness over time.
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