Indications for Considering the Administration of BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) Vaccine

Description

Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a vaccine for prevention of tuberculosis prepared from an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis. While infrequently used in the United States it should be considered when a person is at increased risk for tuberculosis.

High risk of exposure:

(1) country with a high rate of tuberculosis

(2) country with a high rate of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis

(3) dealing with a subpopulation with a high rate of tuberculosis (refugees, prisoners, AIDS patients, patients in a health care facility)

(4) living with a family or group with one or more members having a history of active TB

High risk of transmission:

(1) infant or young child

(2) prolonged stay in a developing country

(3) spending time in confined, crowded conditions

Contraindication:

(1) HIV infection (some countries administer it to asymptomatic infants of HIV-positive mothers)

(2) immunocompromised

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10