Y58: Bacterial vaccines

Y58.0: BCG vaccine

The BCG vaccine is a widely used vaccination for the prevention of tuberculosis (TB). Administered by injection into the upper layers of skin, this vaccine is created from a strain of live, but weakened, bacteria related to TB known as Mycobacterium bovis. The BCG vaccine works by training your immune system to fight the tuberculosis bacteria. It is primarily used in countries where TB is common, or for certain individuals at an increased risk. While it is generally safe, side effects can include a sore at the injection site, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes. In rare cases, there may be more serious complications such as an allergic reaction, abscesses, or bone inflammation. The effectiveness of the vaccine can vary, but it has shown a high degree of efficacy in preventing severe forms of TB in children.