How Much is the Cost of Typhoid Vaccine in India?
The typhoid vaccine cost in India ranges between ₹1,500 - ₹2,000 per dose. You shall find a couple of options in terms of typhoid vaccine prices in the market within the mentioned range. Moreover, it is one of the mandatory vaccine shots to be administered to a newborn baby given in two doses. However, it is never recommended to administer the vaccine on your own for a child or an adult.
So, Why is the Typhoid Vaccine Given?
Typhoid vaccine is administered for the following reasons:
Preserve Intestinal Health
Typhoid disease which isn’t treated for a longer duration can lead to intestinal bleeding. Holes may develop in the intestine resulting in contents leaking into the stomach and causing nausea, severe stomach ache, sepsis, etc. Intestinal bleeding is a severe complication that may develop in the third week of the disease if it isn’t treated on time.
Another serious complication caused due to untreated typhoid fever is perforation. The typhoid bacteria living inside the digestive system can affect the lining of the stomach known as peritonitis. As the abdomen lining has no in-built defence mechanism, the infection can spread into the blood and then to other organs.
High Prevalence of Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever cases are mostly found in the regions of South, Southeast, and East Asia, the Caribbean, South, and Central America. It is estimated that about 90% of typhoid deaths today occur in Asia.
Know the Effectiveness of Typhoid Vaccine!
No medication can offer 100% protection against an illness if you do not take the necessary measures. Similarly, the typhoid vaccine doesn’t secure you completely against the risk of developing typhoid fever. Hence, it is recommended to take precautions while travelling and avoid eating contaminated water or food. In case you are going on a trip, you can choose to take the typhoid vaccine for adults after consulting your doctor.
Understand How the Typhoid Vaccine is Administered
The vaccine is administered depending on its type and a prescribed typhoid vaccine schedule:
This type of vaccine is given orally in the form of capsules to people who are 6 years and older. Four capsules are prescribed, and each dose is to be taken every alternate day as per the typhoid vaccine schedule.
For those with travel plans, the last dose should be consumed at least a week before going on the trip. Each dose should be swallowed and not chewed an hour before your meals daily. For people who remain at risk, a booster dose is administered after every 5 years as per the typhoid vaccine schedule.
Inactivated Typhoid Vaccine
This is a typhoid vaccine for kids aged above 2 years and for adults, which are administered through an injectable shot. At least 1 dose is given to people two weeks before their travel if any. For those who remain at constant risk, the shot is given every 2 years. In case anyone has a serious reaction to the first dose of the inactivated typhoid vaccine, they should consult a medical professional for getting the second dose.
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Is There More Than One Type of Vaccine Available for Typhoid?
Actually, there are two types of typhoid vaccines available, a live attenuated vaccine and an inactivated polysaccharide vaccine. The live attenuated typhoid vaccine contains a live sample of the bacteria, Salmonella typhi, which has been weakened. The administration of this vaccine causes the body to react to the weakened sample of the bacteria and produce antibodies against it.
Whereas, the inactivated Vi polysaccharide vaccine is a standardised antigen that is effective in a single parenteral dose. It can be administered to children above 2 years of age or above.
Should You Opt for the Typhoid Vaccine?
A typhoid vaccine dose is given to adults and kids aged above 2 years and is highly advisable in the following cases:
People who might travel to typhoid prevalent regions in the world need to get a typhoid vaccine dose at least two weeks before the travel date.
People who live in poorly sanitised areas may get exposed to the risk of typhoid contaminated food or water, and thus, a typhoid vaccine is essential.
Contact with Typhoid Carriers
People who might be living along with typhoid infected individuals must get a typhoid vaccine shot to prevent contracting the infection.
Laboratory workers who work with typhoid-causing bacteria are advised to get a typhoid vaccine shot and protect themselves from possible infection.
Find Out Who Shouldn’t Get the Typhoid Vaccine
Typhoid vaccine dose should not be administered to individuals in the following cases:
Kids Below the Specified Age
Kids younger than 2 years of age should not be given an inactivated vaccine shot and children younger than 6 years of age cannot be given a live, attenuated vaccine.
People who are ill must wait to recover before getting their typhoid vaccine jab.
Adverse Reaction from First Shot
Persons with an adverse reaction to the first dose must abstain from the next doses.
Persons with severe allergies are advised against getting a typhoid vaccine without their doctor’s suggestion.
Oral typhoid vaccine should not be given to people with weak immunity or those suffering from critical ailments such as HIV or cancer that affect the immune system. They may get an injectable vaccine shot instead.
People who are on antibiotics and blood thinners must consult doctors before getting an oral typhoid vaccine.
Side Effects of Typhoid Vaccine to Watch Out For
The typhoid vaccine is generally safe but not without side effects that are usually mild and temporary in nature. Here are a few possible and common typhoid vaccine side effects:
Fever
Headache
Stomachache, nausea, rashes in case of the oral vaccine
Swelling or redness at the injection site, in case of inactivated vaccine
Long Story Short…
Typhoid fever, if left untreated, could prove to be fatal, resulting in a shorter lifespan of the affected person. As typhoid vaccines for adults and kids are now widely available, getting a typhoid vaccine dose in time provides immunity against any possible infection. While vaccination is a preventive measure against typhoid infections, one must be prepared to face any severe, unexpected health emergencies.
Thereby, getting yourself and your family insured with the right health insurance cover would be a wise idea. Such a coverage provides financial protection against medical costs incurred towards any critical illnesses during emergencies. Head over to Bajaj Markets and secure your family and yourself with a good health insurance plan today!
