Experts say it could have a “huge impact” on the 22 million cases, and 220,000 deaths, from typhoid each year.
Crucially it works in children, who are at high-risk of the infection, unlike other typhoid vaccines, BBC online reports Tuesday. Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria. See more on
https://www.netdoktor.dk/rejsemedicin/sygdomme/tyfus.htm
The infection is most common in countries with poor sanitation and a lack of clean water, particularly in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Two typhoid vaccines are already approved to help reduce the number of cases, but none are licensed for children under the age of two.
The decision to recommend the new conjugate typhoid vaccine was made by the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (Sage).
Prof Alejandro Cravioto, the chairman of Sage, said: “For the first time I think we do have a very effective vaccine.” Data from a clinical trial showed the vaccine was up to 87 percent effective.
GAVI, the global body that pays for vaccines in 68 low and middle-income countries, is now considering whether to add the typhoid vaccine.
Before antibiotics, typhoid killed one-in-five people infected. Now there is growing levels of typhoid that is resistant to drugs., BBC notes.
