The government is set to vaccinate around 50 million children across the country against typhoid, completely free of cost, starting Sunday. The nationwide campaign will be conducted simultaneously at all schools and designated vaccination centres.
Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser on Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said the government would bear all costs of the vaccination drive while speaking at a press conference at the secretariat on Thursday.
He warned, “No one is allowed to charge any money for the vaccine. Strict action will be taken if any complaints are received.”
He announced vaccination teams will be stationed in every neighborhood. Each school will conduct vaccinations from 9am to 2pm daily from 12 October.
Also, children living on the streets in city corporation areas will also be brought under the coverage through various NGOs, ensuring no child is left out.
Professor Dr Md Abu Jafor, director general of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said the first phase of the campaign will run from 12-31 October, followed by the second phase from 1-13 November.
He assured the vaccine is completely safe, with no side effects, and approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). There is no reason for concern.
Over 20 million children have already registered for vaccination, but children aged between 9 months and 15 years can receive the vaccine at any centre even without prior registration, as on-site registration will be available.
Dr Sayedur Rahman also mentioned the temporary suspension of the health assistants’ nationwide strike, expressing hope that with collective cooperation, the campaign would be implemented successfully.
