Typhoid Conjugate Vaccines (TCV) FAQs

What is Typhoid disease?

• Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi.
• It spreads through contaminated food and water and causes high fever, weakness, stomach pain, and other symptoms.
• Without treatment, it can be fatal.

Who is most affected by Typhoid disease?

Everyone is at risk of getting typhoid disease, especially children aged less than 15 years. Typhoid places a significant and underestimated burden on children in sub- Saharan Africa, with poor communities often being most susceptible.

How does Typhoid disease spread?

Typhoid is spread by the fecal-oral route through contaminated food and water, usually due to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene habits

Why is there increased risk for Typhoid disease?

Increasing drug resistance, climate change, and urbanization heighten the risk for typhoid outbreaks worldwide.

What are the risk factors of Typhoid disease?

• Typhoid risk is highest in settings where sanitation and hygiene is poor and water is unsafe.
• Environmental and social factors such as overcrowding, natural disasters and climate change put children in endemic and emergency settings at most at risk.

How can safe water and sanitation protect against Typhoid disease?

By safely separating waste from water sources used for drinking, cooking, washing, or swimming and ensuring that water is treated and free of contamination, we can help prevent the spread of typhoid and many other diseases.

How can good hygiene protect us against Typhoid disease?

Proper food handling and hygiene practices — including handwashing with soap and water, using safe water sources, and boiling or treating food and beverages—play a large role in the prevention of typhoid, which is often spread by contaminated food or beverages.

What is Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine?

This is a safe and effective vaccine that offers high protection against drug-resistant Salmonella Typhi.

Who is eligible for Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV)?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends TCV for:

• Children aged 6 months and older in typhoid-endemic areas.
• High-risk populations in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water
• Travelers to regions where typhoid disease is common.

How many doses of Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) are needed?

Current evidence supports long term immunity after a single dose.

Can TCV be given together with other vaccines?

Yes. TCV can be safely given at the same time as other childhood vaccines.

Where will TCV vaccine be available in Kenya?

The Ministry of Health will be providing the TCV vaccine in all immunizing facilities across all the 47 counties in Kenya.

Who will receive the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine and Measles-Rubella vaccine during the immunization campaign?

During the campaign, all children aged 9 months to 14 years will receive the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV). In addition, children aged 9 months to 5 years will also receive the Measles- Rubella (MR) vaccine.

What happens after Typhoid and Measles Rubella vaccine campaign?

Typhoid Conjugate vaccine and Measles Rubella vaccine will be provided routinely at 9 months in all immunizing facilities.