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Bangladesh will introduce the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) into its routine immunisation programme from August 1, aiming to provide long-term protection against typhoid fever among children.
Under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), all children aged 15 months will receive a single dose of the vaccine through both fixed and outreach vaccination centres.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued detailed implementation guidelines to divisional directors, civil surgeons, city corporation health officials, and upazila health and family planning officers to ensure smooth rollout of the programme.
The decision follows the successful nationwide typhoid vaccination campaign in 2025 and recommendations from the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group, along with approval from the Inter-agency Coordination Committee.
According to the guidelines, the typhoid vaccine can be administered alongside the MR-2 (measles-rubella) vaccine in the same session.
Field workers have been instructed to identify eligible children through door-to-door visits, assess vaccine demand, and ensure timely immunisation.
Digital registration and tracking have been prioritised, with instructions to enrol children via the VaxEPI app, download vaccination cards, and update records using the Smart Health BD or e-tracker platforms.
To strengthen coordination, local authorities have also been advised to facilitate birth registration through upazila-level meetings.
In terms of logistics, the programme will use five-dose vials, which must be stored and transported at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. Open vials may be reused in subsequent sessions under the multi-dose vial policy to minimise wastage.
Health officials have also called for greater community engagement, urging local representatives, teachers, imams, and community leaders to raise awareness through door-to-door outreach, public announcements, and courtyard meetings.
The DGHS emphasised that the programme must be implemented with the highest priority at all levels to ensure sustained protection of children against typhoid fever.