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January 20, 2025

All you should know about BCG Vaccine

All you should know about BCG Vaccine

What is BCG Vaccine-

The BCG, short for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (given at birth), Vaccine is primarily used to protect against tuberculosis (TB), especially in children. TB ek aise disease hai jo ki lungs ko impact karti hai in most cases, but in severe cases it can even impact the brain, spine and other organs of the body, proving to be fatal. Isiliye BCG vaccine becomes important for countries jaha TB kaafi prevalent ho, jaise ki India.

2021 mein India accounted for 28% of global TB cases, which makes the BCG vaccine an essential tool in public health. According to WHO, in 2022, around 10.6 million people fell ill with TB, and 1.3 million deaths were reported worldwide. India has the highest number of TB cases poori world mein, that is, 2.7 million cases in 2023. All of this shows the critical need for vaccination.

Why is it important

It prevents Severe TB: The BCG vaccine sbse zyada effective hai at preventing serious forms of tuberculosis, such as tuberculous meningitis and miliary tuberculosis in children, khyuki TB of the brain, which is the most dangerous form of childhood TB, has the highest incidence in children <5 years of age.

It provides long-lasting Immunity: According to studies, the BCG vaccine ki protection can last for up to 10 years or more.​

Administration

The BCG vaccine is administered via an intradermal injection- skin mein lagne wala infection in layman terms. In India aur baaki TB-endemic countries mein BCG vaccine is a part of the national immunization program and given right at birth.

Success

Studies show that the vaccine is 70-80% effective in preventing the severe forms of TB in children, particularly in areas with a high incidence of the disease​.

BCG ki success can be seen in the protection it provides protection against TB overall and TB-related death in children. BCG ne significantly contribute kara hai to lowering the mortality rate in children under 5 due to TB in India.

Isliye BCG is a must for all newborn children, backed as such by organisations like WHO and IAP, and should be given to all children!

Sources