Yes, there is a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB). The currently available vaccine is called Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG).
Understanding the BCG Vaccine
The BCG vaccine is effective in preventing disseminated TB disease in infants, particularly miliary TB and TB meningitis. However, its efficacy in preventing pulmonary TB in adults varies considerably depending on factors like the region and the individual's immune response. The BCG vaccine is not generally used in the United States due to the low incidence of TB in the country. It can also cause a false-positive reaction on TB skin tests. (CDC, CDC, Healthline, Texas DSHS). In other parts of the world with higher TB prevalence, BCG is more commonly administered. (Canada.ca) Its efficacy is estimated to be around 51% in preventing any form of TB disease and up to 78% in protecting newborns from serious forms like miliary TB.
New TB Vaccine Research
Research is ongoing to develop more effective TB vaccines. One promising candidate is M72/AS01E, which has shown significant protection against TB disease in a Phase IIb clinical trial. This vaccine is being further developed with funding from organizations like the Wellcome Trust and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (Wellcome, WHO).
Vaccine Use in the US
In the United States, the BCG vaccine is not routinely recommended except for specific high-risk groups such as children living with individuals who have active TB. (CHOP).
