Support country decision-making and the implementation of typhoid immunization programs

The Coalition against Typhoid aims to advance a comprehensive and an integrated typhoid control strategy in endemic countries through sustained advocacy, consultation, collaboration, and coordination. As such, CaT works to assist countries with the implementation and monitoring of typhoid vaccination programs and to facilitate rational, evidence-based, and sustainable decisions regarding the use of typhoid vaccines in communities at risk.

The implementation of current typhoid vaccines is recommended by the WHO and is prioritized by the GAVI Alliance. The WHO South East Asian Regional Office (SEARO) prioritized typhoid vaccines for immediate introduction in 2009. Likewise, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Immunization (IAPCOI) recommends the immediate inclusion of the ViPS vaccine in their national immunization schedule. Vaccination in typhoid high burden communities has been proven safe and effective through multiple clinical trials, demonstration projects and ministry of health programs.

However, despite the WHO recommendation for typhoid vaccine use and the demonstrated need, very few countries are currently using typhoid vaccines for prevention.

Since the early 1970s, countries have effectively employed typhoid vaccines to control disease and prevent transmission. Program strategies include school-based programs with defined age groups, community-wide programs, occupationally-based programs for food handlers or sanitation workers, or vaccination programs in response to a disease outbreak.

For more on the impact of typhoid vaccination programs, click here