The full form of BCG is the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. It serves as a vaccination against the disease and promotes the development of TB resistance. Two French bacteriologists named Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin created the vaccine. In 1921, Dr Weil-Hale used it for the first time to treat a kid who had tuberculosis. Over the course of the following three years, from 1924 to 1926, about 320 infants received the BCG vaccine.
Children and people who are more likely to get tuberculosis, such as those who live in TB-endemic areas of the world, have one or more TB-infected parents, or were born in TB-endemic countries, are given the vaccine. Additionally, those who have bladder cancer or tumours are eligible.
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How does BCG perform?
- An attenuated strain of the TB-causing bacteria Mycobacterium Bovis is used in the vaccine.
- When given intravenously, the vaccine stimulates the immune system’s defence against the bacteria without actually starting an infection.
- The body’s antibodies remain to protect against future infections from other microorganisms.
- As a result, vaccination enables our bodies to produce antibodies against TB germs, which confers immunity from tuberculosis.
Care and safety for BCG
- The Vaccination must be administered after a doctor’s appointment.
- For about 24 hours, maintain the vaccine area clean & dry.
- If the vaccine area begins to ooze, use a dry dressing, including gauze.
- People can use a sterile alcohol swab to clean the region if necessary.
- Do not use the ointment, band-aids, antiseptic cream, or so on.
In certain persons, this Vaccination may cause complications. It involves individuals who are:
- Before an individual had TB
- If an individual is suffering from HIV
- Have a positive result for Mantoux
- Have poor immune systems because of an underlying illness
- Women who are pregnant.