BCG (Tuberculosis)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and spreads through airborne droplets from individuals with active disease. In many low- and middle-income regions, TB remains a major public health threat. While healthy immune systems may contain the bacteria, some progress to active disease, which can cause chronic cough, weight loss, fever, and lung damage. The BCG vaccine is the oldest and most widely used TB vaccine globally. It is especially effective at preventing life-threatening forms in children, such as TB meningitis and disseminated TB. The vaccine also serves as an important tool in TB control strategies in high-incidence settings.

The BCG vaccine helps protect against:

• Disseminated (miliary) TB
• TB meningitis in children
• Severe systemic TB disease
• Progression of latent TB infection to active disease

• Provides significant protection against severe forms of TB in infants and young children
• Helps reduce childhood mortality associated with TB
• Integral to national tuberculosis prevention programmes in high-burden countries
• Supports community health by lowering the incidence of severe TB
• Generally safe and well-tolerated

BCG is considered a safe vaccine. Side effects are usually mild and temporary:

The safety precautions patients need to follow before receiving the BCG vaccination include:

• Inform your doctor about any immunodeficiency, HIV infection, or ongoing immunosuppressive therapy
• Avoid administering the vaccine during active severe illness
• Mild illnesses (such as a cold) usually do not delay vaccination
• Keep the injection site clean and dry; avoid covering it with thick dressings
• Remain under brief observation after vaccination for immediate response monitoring