Question

Which vaccine is most appropriate to ensure people are protected after a disaster?

• A. Vaccination against typhoid
• B. Vaccination against cholera
• C. Vaccination against typhoid and cholera
• D. Vaccination against tetanus

Hint:

Disasters mean dirty wounds; which vaccine prevents the infection that follows them?

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Think mechanism, not myth: The common belief that epidemics follow every disaster, so mass typhoid and cholera shots are needed, is wrong. WHO does not advise blanket gut-vaccine campaigns after disasters because exposure-driven transmission is usually low and the benefit small.
The real risk: Disaster victims and rescue workers sustain wounds in contaminated debris, and such injuries can lead to tetanus. Keeping everyone up to date with a tetanus-containing vaccine is the practical, evidence-based priority. Hepatitis B cover is also relevant.
So: Among the options, tetanus is the vaccine to give. Cholera and typhoid options are distractors based on the outdated post-disaster epidemic fear. Answer: vaccination against tetanus. Ref: Park PSM, disaster chapter.