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Government to Give Typhoid Vaccine to Children: Program Starts in September

Typhoid Vaccine

For the first time, the government is introducing a nationwide typhoid vaccination program targeting nearly 50 million children aged between 9 months and nearly 16 years. Registration started August 1, and the vaccination will begin in September as part of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). This new initiative aims to protect children from typhoid fever, a serious disease caused by contaminated food and water.

Government Launches First-Ever Typhoid Vaccination Program for Children

The government will provide typhoid vaccines to approximately 50 million children aged 9 months to 15 years and 11 months under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) starting from September 1. Parents and guardians must register their children for the vaccine at https://vaxepi.gov.bd/registration/tcv using a 17-digit birth registration number.

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Registration Process and Vaccine Card

Registration began on August 1. After registering, parents can download the vaccination card. Those registering with a birth certificate will receive the card directly. Children without a birth certificate can still get vaccinated by registering with their parents’ mobile numbers, and their vaccine information will be recorded on paper.

ইপিআই প্রোগ্রাম ম্যানেজার ডা. আবুল ফজল মো. শাহাবুদ্দিন খান বলেন,
“যাদের জন্ম নিবন্ধন সনদ নেই, তারাও টিকা নিতে পারবে। এক্ষেত্রে বাবা–মায়ের মোবাইল নম্বর দিয়ে নিবন্ধন করতে হবে এবং তাদের ভ্যাকসিন গ্রহণের তথ্য কাগজে লিখে দেওয়া হবে।”
Translation: “Those who don’t have a birth registration certificate can still receive the vaccine. In that case, parents need to register with their mobile numbers and the vaccination information will be recorded on paper.”

School Campaign and Vaccine Protection

In the first 10 working days of September, vaccination camps will be set up in schools. After that, children who miss school vaccinations will be given the vaccine at EPI centers within eight days. This injectable vaccine provides protection for 3 to 7 years and is supported by the Gavi Vaccine Alliance.

About Typhoid and Its Risks

Typhoid fever is caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria, usually from consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms include prolonged fever, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and sometimes constipation or diarrhoea. The disease varies in severity and can cause serious complications or even death, especially in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water.

Addressing Parents’ Concerns About Side Effects

Many parents worry about side effects of the vaccine. Ahsan Habib, a private-sector worker, shared his concern about vaccinating his three-year-old daughter this year, saying he plans to wait until next year after seeing the campaign’s outcome.

ডা. আবুল ফজল মো. শাহাবুদ্দিন খান বলেন,
“টাইফয়েডের ভ্যাকসিন দেশে অনেক আগে থেকেই দেওয়া হয়। আগে এটি অভিভাবকেরা বেসরকারিভাবে কিনে দিতেন, এবার সরকার বিনামূল্যে দেবে।”
Translation: “Typhoid vaccine has been available in the country for a long time. Previously, parents had to buy it privately, but now the government will provide it for free.”

“যেকোনো ওষুধের মতো এরও কিছু সাইড ইফেক্ট থাকতে পারে, তবে বড় কোনো পার্শ্বপ্রতিক্রিয়া নেই। এটি একটি নিরাপদ ভ্যাকসিন।”
Translation: “Like any medicine, it may have some side effects, but there are no major adverse reactions. It is a safe vaccine.”

WHO Recommendations for Typhoid Vaccines

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends three types of vaccines for controlling typhoid in both endemic and epidemic settings. Among these, the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) is preferred for routine immunization because it creates stronger immunity and offers long-lasting protection suitable for young children.

Coordinated Efforts Needed for Disease Control

WHO emphasizes that typhoid vaccination programs must be combined with health education, improved water quality and sanitation, and training health workers in diagnosis and treatment for effective disease control.

Source: TBS

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