Typhoid fever is a potentially fatal disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. Although most cases of typhoid fever are mild, some can be severe and require hospitalization.
Most of you would have heard about this disease and the need to get vaccinated at the right time in your life. But what do we know about vaccination from a baby’s point of view?
Is there a specific age or time when vaccinations are administered to babies? What about before going for immunisation and post-effects? Get to know all about typhoid vaccination here.
Table of Contents
Why is There a Need for Typhoid Vaccination?
According to the World Health Organization, 11–20 million people suffer from typhoid, and between 128,000 and 161,000 people give up on life every year. This stat is enough to show the dangerous consequences of typhoid fever. It is pretty easy to catch if you are living in a region with poor sanitation and people following unhygienic habits. These symptoms can aid in the early detection of a typhoid infection:
- High fever for a prolonged time
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Cough
- Nausea
- Abdominal Pain
- Appetite Loss
- Diarrohea, or constipation
- Rashes
Some people get relieved from this disease as soon as they start taking antibiotics for typhoid treatment, but it does not work for all. To control the effects of typhoid and its prevention, the typhoid conjugate vaccine is the most effective solution.
Typhoid Vaccination Schedule
It’s pretty important for your child to receive the typhoid vaccination dose between 6 and 9 months. If your child has missed his dose during the scheduled time, a catch-up vaccination can work. Your paediatrician can provide better information about the right time for getting typhoid vaccination.
Side Effects of Vaccination
Typhoid vaccination is always effective and safe, but there can be some mild complications like:
- pain, redness, and soreness at the injected spot.
- Fever
- Headache
- Discomfort
What Precautions Should be Taken to Avoid Typhoid?
Other than taking typhoid vaccination, it’s recommended to follow some precautions too in order to avoid catching the infection:
- Develop the habit of washing your hands before eating, cooking, and after using the toilet.
- Say no to contaminated water or to the raw foods and vegetables washed with it.
- Never eat stored foods or those kept at room temperature.
- Keep your surroundings clean and try to practise better hygiene.
Final Thoughts
To keep your child protected, it’s important for him to get typhoid vaccination at an early age, or else typhoid bacteria can attack at any time as they grow. Consult your doctor to know when your baby needs the typhoid conjugate vaccine. Usually, your child must get this vaccine between 6–9 months of age, but a one-to-two-month delay is fine.
Make sure not to miss it because it can lead to the death of the infected person too. Keep your loved ones protected and secure in their lives with a typhoid vaccination. Ask your doctor today if anyone in your family has taken the typhoid vaccine.