BCG Vaccine
BCG Vaccine for TB provides immunity against tuberculosis.
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BCG Vaccine
Understanding the BCG Vaccine for TB
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, but it can also target other parts of the body such as the brain, bones, joints, and kidneys. The disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and can be fatal if not treated properly. TB is prevalent worldwide, with certain populations at higher risk, including those living in areas with high rates of TB, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals in close contact with TB patients.
Prevention
The BCG vaccine, or Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine, is the primary defence against TB, especially in infants and young children. It is administered as an injection into the upper arm and is known to leave a small scar. The vaccine is most effective in preventing severe forms of TB, such as TB meningitis in children. The BCG vaccine is typically given once in a lifetime, with the ideal schedule being at about 28 days old for babies who are at increased risk.
Who’s at Risk?
Individuals at risk of contracting TB include babies and young children in high TB prevalence areas, people with a family history from high TB rate countries, and those living with someone who is infected with TB. Health care workers in contact with drug-resistant TB strains and patients in high-risk settings may also consider vaccination.
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BCG Vaccine for TB
BCG Vaccine for TB
Key takeways
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that can be fatal if not treated properly.
- The BCG vaccine is the primary defense against TB, especially in infants and young children.
- Individuals at risk of contracting TB include babies and young children in high TB prevalence areas, people with a family history from high TB rate countries, and those living with someone with infectious TB.
- The BCG vaccine is made from a weakened strain of TB bacteria, providing immunity without causing the disease.
- In the UK, the cost of the BCG vaccine generally ranges from £30 to £75, including additional charges such as appointment fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BCG Vaccine for TB?
The BCG Vaccine for TB is a vaccination against tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease. It is made from a weakened strain of TB bacteria, providing immunity without causing the disease. It is most effective in preventing severe forms of TB in children.
Who is most at risk of contracting TB?
Individuals at risk of contracting TB include babies and young children in high TB prevalence areas, people with a family history from high TB rate countries, and those living with someone with infectious TB.
What are the signs and symptoms of TB?
TB symptoms include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. If TB affects other parts of the body, symptoms can vary accordingly.
How much does the BCG Vaccine for TB cost in the UK?
In the UK, the cost of the BCG vaccine can vary, but it generally ranges from £30 to £75, including additional charges such as appointment fees.
Further Information on the Service
Additional Information
The BCG vaccine is a critical tool in the global fight against TB, particularly in protecting children from the most severe forms of the disease. While not widely used in low-risk countries like the United States, it remains a cornerstone of TB prevention in countries with higher incidence rates. It's important to note that the vaccine may interfere with TB skin test results, which should be considered when evaluating a positive reaction.
References
- NHS UK. "BCG tuberculosis (TB) vaccine overview." https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/bcg-tuberculosis-tb-vaccine/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "BCG Vaccine Fact Sheet." https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/prevention/bcg.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Tuberculosis (TB) Vaccination." https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/tb/index.html
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). "Bacillus Calmette Guerin." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538185/
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "Package Insert - BCG Vaccine." https://www.fda.gov/files/vaccines,%20blood%20&%20biologics/published/Package-Insert---BCG-Vaccine.pdf
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