Typhoid vaccination rolls out in North alone

While Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) is preventing the disease in the vaccinated population, typhoid cases have been reported among those unvaccinated this year.

All reported cases of typhoid in 2024 have been from unvaccinated individuals.

Following treatment and clearance of the disease, these individuals and their families were offered the vaccines to make sure they can be protected against typhoid.

Early this week, Typhoid in Fiji – Vaccination Towards Elimination (Ty-FIVE) rolled out typhoid vaccination for nine months to five-yearold children in North.

With the support of the Ty-FIVE project, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services held a mass vaccination campaign against typhoid between July to September last year in the Northern Division. Vaccination using a single dose of TCV was available for individuals from nine months to 65 years of age.

As a result of the campaign in 2023, more than half of the target population in the North is now vaccinated against typhoid.

Mothers in North to take step

Typhoid is endemic in Fiji and can be life-threatening if left untreated or inadequately treated. Prevention against typhoid includes washing hands frequently, drinking boiled water, washing raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly and covering food from flies.

However, the most effective way to prevent it is through vaccination. Ty-FIVE project nurse, Ashweeni Lata Kumar said: “We are encouraging mothers of nine months to five-year-old children in the Northern Division to bring their them to the nearest health facility for typhoid vaccination if they missed out during the mass vaccination campaign or if they were not eligible last year.”

For vaccination registration she said the child’s birth certificate or maternal child health card and the parent/guardian’s ID are required. Ty-FIVE project leader, Dr Alumita Vuakanisakea said though children vaccination was emphasised at this time, anyone under the age of 65 years old could receive the vaccine by visiting the nearest health facility with a valid photo ID.

“I strongly urged those in the Northern Division who have yet to get their typhoid vaccination, to please come forward and get the jab, as vaccination will not only protect you but also your loved ones,” Dr Vuakanisakea said. Typhoid fever is a febrile illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi and transmitted through contaminated food and water. Symptoms of typhoid usually begin six to 30 days after exposure, and include high fever, and any of the following: chills, loss of appetite, stomach (abdominal) pain, diarrhea or constipation, cough, muscle aches, headache, nausea/ vomiting and rose spots/rash usually on chest or stomach.