Authorities warn against service charges for Typhoid vaccine

Health authorities have cautioned that strict action will be taken against any NGO or organisation that charges money for the typhoid vaccine during the month-long nationwide vaccination campaign starting October 12.

"The vaccine will be provided free of cost. None will be allowed to take service charge. We will take action if anyone charges money," said Prof Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser for the health ministry, while briefing reporters at his office today.

He made the remarks after being informed that some NGOs and health facilities had previously taken money as service charges for government-funded vaccines.

Prof Sayedur urged that all eligible children be vaccinated, emphasising that it is both safe and effective.

The new typhoid vaccine has been approved by the World Health Organization and has already been used in Nepal and Pakistan without reports of major adverse effects, he added, citing the vaccine as "safe."

The campaign aims to cover 4.9 crore children, aged between nine months and 15 years. So far, 1.68 crore children have registered online, while many others have registered manually.

Children without birth registration certificates will also be eligible, as they can register manually at the vaccination centres.