Patient education: Tuberculosis vaccine (BCG) (The Basics)

What is the tuberculosis vaccine? — 

This is a vaccine that protects against tuberculosis, or "TB." TB is a disease that usually affects the lungs.

The vaccine is called the "Bacillus Calmette-Guérin," or "BCG," vaccine. It contains a live but weakened form of the bacteria that cause TB.

Who should get the TB vaccine? — 

The vaccine is not often used in the US. But in countries where TB is more common, it is given to newborn babies along with other routine vaccines.

Doctors might also recommend the TB vaccine for:

●Hospital or health care workers who care for patients with TB

●People who live with someone who has TB

●Children who are at risk for TB, but did not get the vaccine as a baby

The vaccine is not given to people who have a weak immune system. (This includes some people with HIV infection or certain types of cancer, or people who take certain medicines.) It is also not given to pregnant people.

What side effects can the TB vaccine cause? — 

The TB vaccine often causes temporary side effects. These can include:

●A sore where the shot was given

●Redness, swelling, or pain in the area

●Joint pain

●Swollen lymph nodes

More serious side effects such as bone infection can also happen, but this is less common. If you have a weak immune system, it is possible to get an infection from the live bacteria in the vaccine. These problems need treatment if they happen.

What else should I know?

●There are different forms of the TB vaccine. The form you get depends on where you live. It might be given with a needle just under the skin. In the US, it is given with a device that has several small needles.

●After getting the vaccine, the doctor or nurse will cover the area with a bandage. It's important to keep the area covered when you are around other people until it heals. That's because it's possible for others to get infected with the bacteria from the vaccine. This is more likely if you are around anyone with a weak immune system.

●You might see a red or blue spot where the vaccine was given. It might turn into an open sore that drains fluid. Over time, it will crust over and heal. In many people, this leaves a small, round scar.

More on this topic

Patient education: Tuberculosis (The Basics)
Patient education: Tuberculosis screening tests (The Basics)

Patient education: Tuberculosis (Beyond the Basics)