WHO Recommends Typhoid Vaccine in Children in Endemic Countries

The World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending a single dose of the typhoid conjugate vaccine (Typbar-TCV) for use in infants and children older than 6 months and a catch-up vaccine in children up to 15 years in countries where the infection is endemic. The recommendation is a result of a review of the vaccine by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization in October 2017 that considered data on vaccine safety, efficacy, feasibility and affordability, as well as growing rates of drugresistant typhoid. The Typbar-TCV vaccine provides longer-lasting protection and fewer doses than previous vaccines.

“Studies have shown that TCV is safe, effective and can provide protection for infants and children under 2 years of age, unlike the previous available typhoid vaccines,” said Adwoa Bentsi-Enchill, MD, medical officer of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at WHO. “The recommendation for the typhoid conjugate vaccine to be included in routine immunization programs will help pave the way for national authorities to introduce this vaccine in countries where they are needed most.”