Tuberculosis vaccine (BCG)

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is used to protect against tuberculosis (TB), a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It works by exposing the immune system to a weakened form of the bacteria, helping the body recognize and fight the infection more effectively if exposed in the future. The vaccine is typically given to infants in countries with high TB rates, reducing the risk of severe forms of TB. While it does not prevent all TB cases, it significantly decreases the likelihood of severe disease and complications.