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What is the Full form of BCG?
BCG stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin and is a vaccination that helps build resistance against tuberculosis. Though invented by two French bacteriologists, Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin, Dr. Weil-Hale was the first person to use it in 1921 for the treatment of a child suffering from tuberculosis. Up to 1924, about 320 babies got vaccinated with BCG.
Children and individuals who are at a greater risk of contracting tuberculosis are the ones who usually get vaccinated. People with bladder tumors or bladder cancer are also given this vaccine.
How does BCG perform?
- A weakened strain of Mycobacterium Bovis.
- After entering the body, the vaccine activates the immune system without triggering the infection.
- Antibodies stay in the body and prevent the person from future diseases.
- Vaccination develops antibodies against TB bacteria which provides immunity from TB.
Care and safety for BCG
- Must administer after a doctor’s appointment.
- The vaccine area should be kept clean & dry for 24 hours.
- Use a dry dressing and gauze if the vaccine area begins to ooze.
- Use a sterile swab and alcohol to clean the vaccinated region.
- Don’t use any kind of ointment, band-aid, or antiseptic cream.
There are chances of complications in the following individuals:
- Who had had TB before.
- Suffering from HIV.
- Someone with a positive result for Mantoux.
- Someone with a poor immune system.
- Pregnant women.