What is the tuberculosis vaccine?
The vaccine contains a live, attenuated TB bacteria, (Baceille-Calmette-Guerin – BCG). # Vaccination against TB is included in the childhood vaccination programme, # Children are usually vaccinated when 10 to 14 years, but children born in high risk communities like certain immigrant groups should be vaccinated at birth. # PHLS BCG vaccine fact sheet. # BCG vaccination is considered in # The vaccine gives a small open wound, which heals over 4 to 6 weeks. In the USA, people at higher risk of TB have regular skin tests, and are treated if the skin test becomes positive. As fewer than 10% of people infected with TB go on to develop the disease, many people may be given a course of drugs unnecessarily.
