Bangladesh will launch a nationwide typhoid vaccination campaign from October 12, targeting five million children aged between nine months and 15 years. The immunization program will be conducted simultaneously in all schools and vaccination centers across the country, according to Professor Dr. Md. Syedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Health.
Speaking at a press conference held Thursday at the Health Ministry conference hall in the Secretariat, Dr. Syedur confirmed that the vaccines will be provided completely free of charge. He emphasized that no one is authorized to collect money for the vaccination, and any reports of such malpractice will be addressed under the law.
Dr. Syedur also noted that the nationwide health workers’ movement has been temporarily suspended, ensuring that it will not interfere with the vaccination campaign. He added that although the movement's demands date back to 2011, the government has shown tolerance, and the campaign is expected to proceed successfully with broad cooperation.
Health Services Secretary Syedur Rahman said vaccination teams will be stationed in every neighborhood and community, and activities in schools will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children living in city corporation areas, including street children, will also be vaccinated through programs coordinated with NGOs.
Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, Professor Dr. Md. Abu Zafar, said the first phase of vaccination will run from October 12 to October 31, followed by a second phase from November 1 to November 13.
He reassured parents that the typhoid vaccine is completely safe, approved by the World Health Organization, and has no known side effects. Over two million children have already registered for vaccination nationwide, but any child aged nine months to 15 years can receive the vaccine at designated centers even without prior registration, where manual registration will also be available.
