Indicated for: prevention of tuberculosis
Route of administration: intradermal
Substance: live + attenuated BCG vaccine (vaccine)
ATC: J07AN01 (Antiinfectives for systemic use | Bacterial vaccines | Tuberculosis vaccines)
Risk of severe allergic reaction. Seek urgent medical help if serious symptoms occur.
Do not use this medicine during pregnancy.
Avoid live vaccines during treatment if contraindicated.
This medicine is subject to additional monitoring.
Store in the refrigerator as instructed in the leaflet.
Store protected from light.
The live, attenuated BCG vaccine is a type of vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis (TB), particularly severe forms such as tuberculous meningitis and miliary tuberculosis in children. It contains a live but weakened strain of Mycobacterium bovis, which has been modified to not cause disease but to stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight the bacterium that causes TB.
The vaccine is administered intradermally, usually within the first days or months of life, especially in countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis. The live, attenuated BCG vaccine does not provide complete protection against all forms of TB but is highly effective in preventing severe complications in children.
Side effects are generally mild and include a local reaction at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, or a small lesion that heals within a few weeks. Rarely, local lymphadenopathy or more severe infections may occur, particularly in individuals with immunodeficiencies.
The live, attenuated BCG vaccine is contraindicated in individuals with severe immunodeficiencies (such as those caused by HIV) or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatments. Administration should be performed by qualified medical personnel in accordance with national vaccination guidelines.