Why was BCG discontinued?

It was replaced in 2005 with a targeted programme for babies, children and young adults at higher risk of TB. This is because TB rates in this country are very low in the general population. TB is difficult to catch because this requires close contact with an infected person (for example, living together).

What was the GCB vaccine?

The BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis, which is also known as TB. TB is a serious infection that affects the lungs and sometimes other parts of the body, such as the brain (meningitis), bones, joints and kidneys.

When do you get BCG vaccine?

when to give bcg vaccine? A common query among parents is when to give BCG vaccine. It is recommended that new borns receive the BCG vaccine as soon as they are discharged from the hospital. If for some reason, they miss the BCG vaccination, they can be given the BCG injection anytime up to 5 years of age.

Who discovered BCG immunization?

In 1921, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) tuberculosis vaccine was first administered to a human. The vaccine was developed by French scientists Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin to protect against tuberculosis of the lungs, a leading cause of death in the early 1900s.

What year did they stop giving TB vaccine?

BCG was administered no later than the fourth birthday until 2005, and no later than six months from birth from 2005 to 2012; the schedule was changed in 2012 due to reports of osteitis side effects from vaccinations at 3–4 months. Some municipalities recommend an earlier immunization schedule.

How do you know if BCG vaccine is given?

How is it given? The BCG vaccine is given by an injection just under the skin, usually on the upper left arm. Sometimes, a test may need to be done before receiving the BCG vaccine. If there is a chance your child has already been infected with TB, the doctor will arrange for a TB skin test (Mantoux test).

What year was the TB vaccine introduced?

But there’s currently only one vaccine approved against TB. And it is 100 years old. The first dose of the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine was administered on July 18 1921.

Do you still get BCG?

BCG vaccination is only recommended on the NHS for babies, children and adults under the age of 35 who are at risk of catching tuberculosis (TB). There’s little evidence the BCG vaccine works for people over the age of 35. The BCG vaccine should only be given once in a lifetime.