TYPHOID VACCINE – ORAL TYPHOID VACCINE

Type of vaccine

• A live attenuated vaccine derived from Ty21, a mutant strain developed by genetic manipulation.
• Strict Cold Chain (storage temperature) has to be maintained.
• The efficacy varies from 50 to 70%.

• Is available as enteric-coated capsule form.
• Acts in a manner similar to the typhoid bacteria but instead of causing the illness, it gives immunity against it.

Dosage & schedule

• Given after 6 years of age. 3 doses of Capsule on alternate days (1, 3 and 5) provides immunity for almost 3 years.
• Booster is required every 3 years.

Special precautions

• The capsule has to be taken 1 hour before meal, with cold or lukewarm milk or water.
• Sulfonamide – an antibiotic should not be taken concomitantly with the vaccine.
• Intake of antibiotics has to be avoided 1 week before and after the vaccine.

Side effects

Fever, vomiting and abdominal pain occurs rarely.

Contraindications

• History of allergic or severe reaction following the previous dose.
• Acute febrile illness (illness with high grade fever).
• Acute gastro-intestinal infection.
• Immunodeficiency – either by birth or acquired.