BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine is the only vaccine currently available for TB prevention. It is one of the most widely used of all current vaccines and it reaches more than 80% of all new born children and infants in countries where it is part of the national childhood immunization programme.

Composition

Live, attenuated BCG Vaccine (Bacillus Calmette Guerin Strain). Each 0.1 ml contains between: 2 x 10⁵ and 8 x 10⁵ C.F.U.

Dosing Schedule

A single dose of BCG vaccine is required to provide lifetime immunity. Booster doses of BCG vaccine are not recommended by WHO. BCG is preferably given at birth to provide protection in the early years when infection can often lead to diseases such as miliary tuberculosis or tubercular meningitis. Infants may receive the vaccine soon after birth, or later, but preferably before exposure to persons with active tuberculosis.

Dose

0.05 ml, Intradermal for infants under one year old.

0.1 ml, Intradermal for children over one year of age and adult.

Presentation

20 /10 doses vial plus diluent (1 ml).