BCG vaccine program for adults launched in Karnataka; 6 districts selected

Team Udayavani, Dec 21, 2023, 8:31 AM IST

The central government has decided to give BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine, which was given to children as a preventive measure against tuberculosis, to adults as well, and it will be implemented experimentally in 6 districts of the state, including the undivided Dakshina Kannada district.

It will be held in collaboration with the Central Tuberculosis Department of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Indian Research Fund Board. Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Bagalkote, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura districts have been selected.

Distribution of vaccine is starting within 5 to 8 months. People above 60 years of age are given priority as they are high risk for tuberculosis. In addition, it will be given to those above 18 years of age who have recovered from tuberculosis.

The above study will be compared to Bellary, Chitradurga, Hassan, Mandya, Tumkur, Vijayanagar districts which have given expansion vaccination. After giving the vaccine, how much the overall cases have decreased in those districts and the average number of cases seen in other districts that have not given the vaccine will be tabulated. After the study, there is an intention to expand to all the remaining districts.

Why BCG?
This vaccine given to children to prevent tuberculosis has been confirmed to be safe. In this background, adults are mainly those who have recovered from tuberculosis, their families affected by that disease, those who have diabetes, those who consume tobacco – thus the percentage of the total population of the respective district. Doctors of the department say that it is intended to give the vaccine to 20 percent of the people with their consent.

Dr Shivayogi, State Head of Tuberculosis Division said, “Several rounds of meetings have already been held on BCG vaccination for adults. Appropriate training will be given to the staff of the department in this regard. It is intended to be implemented simultaneously in selected districts.”