What are the vaccines available for typhoid?
Three types of vaccines are available for typhoid, 2 are injectable and 1 is oral. The first type (TA) is given after 6 months of age. This is cheaper but has many side effects like local pains and swelling. This vaccine is required to be repeated every year. The 2nd type (VI) can be given after 2 years of age and has to be repeated every 3 years. Oral vaccine is given when the child is able to swallow the capsule i.e. usually at 6 years of age and has to be repeated every 3-5 years of interval. The latter two have minimal side effects. Q: Is there a vaccine against brain fever? A: An organism called Haemophilus influenzae can cause a variety of infection in children, including meningitis i.e. infection of the coverings of brain and spinal cord. Children less than 5 years of age, especially those between 6-18 months of age are especially at risk for this meningitis. Taking HiB vaccine at 11/2, 21/2 and 31/2 months of age with DPT and OPV in 3 doses, can prevent this contagious disease.
