Nationwide Typhoid Vaccination Campaign Launches Tomorrow Across the Country
A comprehensive campaign to vaccinate children against typhoid across the nation is set to commence tomorrow. This initiative, part of the Typhoid Vaccination Campaign 2025, focuses on immunizing children between the ages of 9 months and 15 years. Approximately five crore children are targeted to receive a single dose of the injectable typhoid vaccine at no cost.
Campaign Details and Objectives
The Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is overseeing this month-long campaign. It will continue until November 13. This is the first time such a campaign is being undertaken in the country, reflecting a significant public health effort.
The vaccine, sourced from the Serum Institute of India, has been provided by Gavi, the renowned international vaccine alliance. The vaccine is recognized and approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been used successfully in several other countries, such as Nepal and Pakistan, with no reported major side effects.
Vaccination Strategy
Children without a birth certificate are eligible for vaccination. Registration support is available through local health workers at nearest vaccination centers. As of now, 1.60 crore children have registered for the campaign. The Ministry of Health aims to reach a total of 4.90 crore children through this initiative.
Educational Institutions and Door-to-Door Efforts
- The first 10 days of the campaign, from October 12, will focus on schools and madrasas nationwide.
- Vaccination efforts will then transition to EPI centers for the following eight days.
- Street children in urban areas will be vaccinated by NGOs.
Registration and Access
Parents or guardians must complete the registration process online. They need to provide their children’s birth registration details at online registration portal. This process began on August 1. Once registration is complete, a vaccine card can be downloaded directly.
Professor Dr. Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, emphasized the safety of the vaccine. EPI Programme Manager Dr. Abul Fazal Md Shahabuddin Khan explained that the campaign’s logistical strategy ensures maximum coverage in the targeted age group, boosting the country’s efforts to combat typhoid fever effectively.
