inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf

inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf
get healthing in your inbox with the morning checkup and weekender newsletter!

top of the page

bcg vaccine for tuberculosis

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 north america because:

  • tb is not a widespread problem in north america.
  • 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.

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. learn how we develop our content.

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 and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

advertisement