•  
  •  

BCG Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is given to prevent tuberculosis (TB) infection. The vaccine contains bacteria called BCG (bacille Calmette-Guérin) that is closely related to the bacteria that cause TB.

The BCG vaccine is often given to people in countries where TB is common, such as South America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia. But it is seldom used in the United States because:

  • TB is not a widespread problem in the U.S.
  • The effectiveness of the vaccine varies. It is most effective at preventing TB from spreading outside of the lungs (extrapulmonary TB) in children.
  • The vaccine interferes with TB skin test results. People who get a BCG vaccination are likely to have TB skin test results that show they have a TB infection even when they aren't infected.

Last Revised: April 15, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.