A NEW one-dose vaccine against typhoid, developed by K P Klugman of South Africa, has recently been licensed and introduced in India. The vaccine does not cause the swelling and fever associated with other typhoid vaccines and its effect lasts for 3 years, claims Klugman.

Tests undertaken in Nepal reveal that 17 months after a shot of the new vaccine, only about 4 per cent of the recipients developed the disease. Says Klugman, "No vaccine offers 100 per cent protection."

In the absence of treatment, the death rate from typhoid can be as high as 30 per cent. Conventional vaccines that protect against the disease are given in three doses. In India, the vaccine will be marketed by Cadilla at Rs 450 a dose.