[BCG vaccination in the world].

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Context:

• The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is a cornerstone in global tuberculosis (TB) prevention strategies.
• Vaccination coverage and program implementation vary significantly across different countries and economic regions.
• Official organizations like the WHO, IUATLD, and CDC provide guidelines for BCG vaccination programs.

Purpose:

• To summarize the global BCG vaccination programs and coverage.
• To analyze the differences in BCG implementation between developing and developed countries.
• To discuss the ongoing debates on BCG efficacy and safety, and the future of TB vaccines.

Summary:

• BCG vaccination is extensively used worldwide for tuberculosis prevention, with intradermal injection in newborns being common in developing nations, while developed countries tailor programs based on TB prevalence.
• Developed countries like Japan, the UK, France, and Russia employ general BCG vaccination policies, with some offering revaccination, while others, like the US, recommend it selectively.
• Despite discussions on BCG efficacy and the development of new vaccines, optimizing current BCG usage through operational research remains a practical priority in the short term.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of global BCG vaccination practices.
• Highlights the need for context-specific approaches to TB prevention.
• Emphasizes the continued relevance of BCG and the importance of operational research in public health