Bacilli Calmutte-Guerin (BCG) is living tubercle bacillus of ox obtained through cultures of many generations and detoxification processes, which, with no pathogenicity, will generate resistance and prevent from infection with tuberculosis after injection to human bodies.

Purposes of vaccination of BCG

To prevent tuberculosis, specifically tuberculous meningitis and miliary disease. To have vaccination with harmless vaccines (BCG) and generate resistance to avoid infection.

Who should receive the vaccination ?

1.Newborns
Normal newborns delivered in obstetricians' clinics or hospitals, weighed more than 2500gm can receive the vaccination 24 hours after the birth. In our County, Hua Lien Hospital, Mennonite Christian Hospital, and Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital will be able to provide such service.

2.Premature infants
Vaccination is recommended six months after the birth when the infant is in good health. If the infant weighs more than 2500gm within six months, consult physician's advice before vaccination.
Infants: All Health Centers in each township and cities in our County will provide BCG vaccination during scheduled outpatient services.

3.Preschoolers
A. Preschoolers at kindergarten/ nurseries without BCG scars and with negative tuberculin test.
B. Taipei Exemplary Center of Taiwan Chronic Disease Prevention Bureau, Chronic Disease Prevention Centers at Taiching, Chiayi, and Tainan, Chronic Disease Prevention Center in each county, Health Centers at larger townships and cities provide vaccination during scheduled outpatient services.

4.Students of elementary schools
First-graders: Conduct tuberculin tests on those without BCG scars. If tested negative, proceed with vaccination. If tested positive, trace the infection source and invite all family members to X-ray examination. The children with negative tuberculin test, if with tuberculosis symptoms, shall receive X-ray examination.

Contraindication

Do not give vaccination to suspected TB patients, but arrange for tuberculin tests first.
Patients with acute calenture, fever, all-over or localized skin rashes (skin diseases), measles, or the measled during recovery are not appropriate for vaccination.
Premature infants within the first six month after birth, or newborns weighed under 2500gm should not receive vaccination.
Chronic diseases: Patients of asthma, liver diseases, kidney diseases, and heart diseases should not receive vaccination.
Patients of AIDS should not receive vaccination.