✅ Which are the vaccines available against Typhoid in India?
Available Typhoid Vaccines
1️⃣ Typhoid Polysaccharide Vaccine (ViCPS)
2️⃣ Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV)
❌ Live oral Ty21a Typhoid vaccine is NOT available in India.
💉 Vaccine Comparison
| Typhoid Conjugate Vaccines (TCV) | Vi Capsular Polysaccharide Vaccines (ViCPS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Vi capsular polysaccharide of S. typhi conjugated to carrier proteins (like Tetanus Toxoid) | Vi capsular polysaccharide of S. typhi |
| Immune Response | Stronger and long-lasting (T-cell dependent) | Weaker and short-lived (up to 3 years) |
| Availability in India | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Tradename(s) & Manufacturer | 1. Typbar TCV (Bharat Biotech) 2. TYPHIBEV (Biological E) 3. Zyvac TCV (Zydus Cadila) | 1. Typbar (Bharat Biotech) 2. Vac Typh (Zydus Cadila) 3. Biovac Typhoid (Dr Reddy’s) |
| Cost | ₹1,400 – ₹1,900 | ₹150 – ₹300 |
| Administration | Intramuscular injection | Intramuscular injection |
| Age | ≥6 months to ≤45 years | ≥2 years (no upper age limit) |
| Primary Series | 1 dose | 1 dose |
| Boosters | No routine booster recommended (may be given after 3 years as per manufacturer) | Every 3 years |
| Effectiveness | 80% – 87% | 50% – 70% (50% at end of 3 years) |
❓ FAQs
1️⃣ Why is a booster not recommended for TCV?
Data suggest TCV protection may last up to 7 years after a single dose. In endemic regions, natural exposure may also boost immunity.
2️⃣ Should Typhoid vaccine be given to a person who had Typhoid infection in the past?
Yes. Natural infection does not give long-term protection. The vaccine can be given as early as 4–6 weeks after recovery.
3️⃣ Will Widal test become positive after Typhoid vaccination?
No. The Widal test detects antibodies against H and O antigens, while the vaccine uses Vi polysaccharide antigen.
4️⃣ How safe is the Typhoid vaccine?
Generally safe. Possible side effects include fever, pain, and swelling at the injection site.
5️⃣ Who should not receive Typhoid vaccine?
Persons with severe allergic reactions to any previous typhoid vaccine dose or any component.
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pregnancy and lactation.
6️⃣ Why are polysaccharide vaccines not recommended in children under 2 years?
Polysaccharide vaccines elicit a T-cell–independent immune response, making them poorly immunogenic in young children. Conjugating the polysaccharide to a carrier protein changes the response to T-cell dependent, improving efficacy and creating immune memory.
7️⃣ Can typhoid fever occur even after vaccination?
Yes. Vaccines do not provide 100% protection. Moreover, the vaccines do not protect against paratyphoid fever.
👨⚕️ Dr Praveen KS
Consultant Pediatrician, Kerala Health Services
💡 Key Points
✅ TCVs are preferred for children and provide longer-lasting, stronger protection.
✅ Polysaccharide vaccines remain an option for those above 2 years but require boosters every 3 years.
✅ Vaccination remains crucial even for those who had prior typhoid infection.
If you’d like, I can also prepare this as a ready-to-paste HTML block for your WordPress page or create a designed infographic-style section. Let me know!