CalmetteGuérinvaccinatie

The Calmette-Guérin vaccine, also known as the BCG vaccine, is a vaccine typically administered to infants within the first few months of life to provide protection against tuberculosis (TB). The vaccine is composed of a weakened form of the bacteria Mycobacterium bovis, which is closely related to M. tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB.

The vaccine was developed in the early 20th century by French scientists Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin, who successfully cultivated the weakened bacteria in a laboratory and tested its ability to confer immunity against TB. The initial trials were conducted in humans, and the vaccine has since undergone numerous revisions to improve its efficacy and safety.

The BCG vaccine has been widely used globally, particularly in regions where TB is prevalent. It is most effective in preventing the severest forms of TB, especially among children, by reducing the risk of developing miliary TB, a severe and often fatal form of the disease. However, the vaccine's efficacy wanes over time, and it offers varying degrees of protection against different forms of TB.

Several potential side effects have been associated with the BCG vaccine, including redness, swelling, and irritation at the injection site, as well as more systemic reactions like fever and fatigue. While the vaccine is generally safe, it is not without risks, and its administration should be carefully considered in regions with robust TB control programs and adequate testing in place to monitor its effectiveness and potential adverse effects.