Introduction of typhoid vaccine in the expanded immunization program of Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Worldwide, typhoid infects 11–20 million people each year. In Pakistan, the first extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid was reported in 2016 resulting in an epidemic. To curb this battle of typhoid, the Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) of Pakistan requested Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) for financial assistance. Hence becoming the first country to administer the vaccination against typhoid in children through EPI. To address the possible risk of endemic, it is needed that WHO and the United Nations should recommend all south Asian countries to avail of this golden opportunity provided by GAVI. Finally, the addition of typhoid vaccine in routine immunization will reduce mortalities, morbidities, health expenditure, and increase life expectancy in all low- and middle-income countries.

KEYWORDS:

• Typhoid
• Immunization
• Antibiotics
• Epidemic