The BCG vaccine is a crucial tool in the fight against tuberculosis, particularly in countries with low immunity levels. It’s primarily administered to newborns within 72 hours of birth and has been shown to be effective in protecting against tuberculosis about 80% of the time ¹.
Who can receive the BCG vaccine?
– Newborns in countries with low immunity levels
– Older children who weren’t vaccinated at birth and are exposed to adults with tuberculosis
– Healthcare workers exposed to populations with tuberculosis, especially those resistant to isoniazid and rifampin
Contraindications
– People infected with HIV
– Immunocompromised individuals, such as those about to receive an organ transplant
– Pregnant or lactating women
– Those with latent TB infection (LTBI)
Additional uses of the BCG vaccine
– Effective against Buruli ulcer and some non-tuberculosis mycobacteria infections
– Used in cancer treatment as part of immunotherapy, particularly for bladder cancer
Administration and side effects
– Given intradermally, typically in the right arm
– Common side effects include pain, scarring, and mild inflammation at the injection site
– Rare but serious side effects include disseminated BCG infection and osteitis
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established international requirements for the manufacture, control, and administration of the BCG vaccine ¹.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/prevention/bcg.htm