Typhoid vaccine: a case for inclusion in national program

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Typhoid fever is a significant cause of morbidity in Indian children.
• High incidence rates, up to 27.3 per 1000 person-years, are observed in children under five.
• Serious complications requiring hospitalization affect approximately 10% of cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the burden of typhoid fever in Indian children.
• To present the economic impact of typhoid fever treatment.
• To advocate for the Vi polysaccharide vaccine within the national immunization schedule.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing data on typhoid incidence and complications in children.
• Analysis of treatment costs for outpatient and inpatient typhoid cases.
• Evaluation of the Vi polysaccharide vaccine's safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Typhoid fever presents a substantial public health challenge in India.
• Treatment costs are considerable, escalating significantly with hospitalization.
• The Vi polysaccharide vaccine is demonstrated to be safe, effective, and affordable.

Conclusions:

• The Vi polysaccharide vaccine is a crucial public health tool for preventing typhoid and its complications in children.
• Routine vaccination at ages 2 and 5 years is recommended as part of the National Immunization Schedule.
• Vaccination represents a cost-effective strategy to reduce the disease burden and associated healthcare expenditures.