Pakistan becomes the first country to introduce a vaccine against drug resistant typhoid

Pakistan has become the first country in the world to introduce the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) into its routine immunization program. According to a press release, the government of Pakistan is launching the vaccine in Sindh in response to an outbreak of typhoid in November 2016. The phased introduction will begin with a two week campaign targeting 10.1 million children under 15 years of age.

TCV is a one-dose vaccine, injected intramuscularly, which is low cost, has higher efficacy, and is expected to provide long-lasting immunity in adults, children, and infants older than 9 months of age. Typhoid is a highly contagious disease that spreads more quickly and easily when people live in crowded neighborhoods with weak water and sanitation infrastructure.

Source: Pro Pakistani