BCG Vaccine Full Form

What is the full form of BCG Vaccine?

Bacille Calmette - Guerin or BCG is a vaccine which helps to protect a person from tuberculosis (TB) disease. This vaccine is given in all places where TB is common except the United States. Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious lung disease that spreads through the infected bacteria by inhaling tiny droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person. It can affect any part of the body, but it mainly affects the lungs. This BCG vaccine is given only once in a lifetime to that child or adult who is thought to have an increased risk of coming in contact with TB. This vaccine may be given by any local health care centre or hospital in your city.

This Story also Contains

1. What is the full form of BCG Vaccine?
2. Working of BCG Vaccine
3. Side Effects of BCG Vaccine
4. For Whom BCG Vaccine is Available

Working of BCG Vaccine

BCG Vaccine has limited effect on the spread of TB because it is very less effective in preventing pulmonary( lungs) TB. This vaccine is prepared from the weak TB bacteria which only triggers the immune system to protect a person from infection. The vaccine does not give you TB but it only aware your immune system about TB bacteria.

Side Effects of BCG Vaccine

Like all vaccines, BCG Vaccine also has some mild side effects which include crams where the vaccine was given, high fever, allergic reactions, headache, swollen glands under armpit etc.

For Whom BCG Vaccine is Available

• BCG Vaccine is mostly recommended for infants upto one year old whose are or their parents are living with someone who is suffering from TB or born in a country where there is a high rate of TB patients.

• BCG Vaccines are also available for older children who have high chances of developing TB due to any reason.

• BCG Vaccine is rarely given to any adult of the age above 16 years but can be given to some healthcare workers, staff who are of the age between 16 to 35 years but there is no evidence that it works in adults.