Dhaka: Director General (DG) of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Dr Md Abu Jafor announced that approximately 4.90 crore children across Bangladesh will be vaccinated against typhoid starting from October 12. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the DGHS conference room in Mohakhali.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Md Abu Jafor emphasized that the available typhoid vaccines are of good quality and certified by the World Health Organization (WHO). The vaccination campaign is set to run for 10 days, beginning October 12, at schools and colleges in Dhaka, as well as throughout all districts and upazilas. From November 1, vaccines will also be administered for another 10 days at union-level centers.
Registration for the vaccination has been ongoing nationwide at schools and colleges since August 1. It is being conducted using birth certificate information through the website www.vexepi.gov.bd. The DG stated that children with registration can receive the vaccine from any center starting October 12. Vaccination centers will operate from 9 am to 2 pm, with adequate manpower already deployed by the government.
Dr Md Abu Jafor emphasized that typhoid is a communicable disease, and preventive measures such as proper handwashing before meals and after using the toilet can help curb its spread. However, he noted that the disease can also be transmitted in other ways and is a serious health concern. The campaign will target all children aged 9 months to less than 15 years across the country for vaccination.
The DG highlighted that even children without birth certificates will be vaccinated, provided they furnish detailed information to the center officials. He pointed out that typhoid is a leading infectious disease in Bangladesh, caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, which often spreads through contaminated food and water.
Dr Md Abu Jafor further explained that the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) is safe and effective in preventing typhoid, with global use showing no adverse reactions. Countries like Pakistan and Nepal have already introduced it. The TCV vaccine used in Bangladesh is WHO pre-qualified, and minor side effects such as redness, swelling, or slight pain at the injection site, mild fever, headache, fatigue, or muscle pain may occur but typically subside naturally.
During the campaign, all pre-primary to class nine students in schools will receive the vaccine at their respective institutions. Children aged 9 months to less than 15 years who are not in schools will be vaccinated at existing EPI fixed and outreach centers. For children aged 2 years and below, a 0.5 ml dose will be administered into the outer mid-thigh muscle, while for those over 2 years, the same dose will be injected into the outer upper arm (deltoid muscle).
Dr Md Abu Jafor concluded by stating that children between 9 months and less than 15 years are the most vulnerable to typhoid in Bangladesh, and a single dose of TCV at this age provides strong protection. Consequently, this age group will be the primary focus of the campaign.
The press conference was attended by DGHS Additional Director General (Admin and Planning), Director (Administration) Dr Md Abu Hanif, EPI Line Director Dr Md Abdullah Al Murad, and other senior officials of DGHS.