BMC initiative | A vaccine trial to prevent TB: Adults to get BCG jab starting May

The initiative is bolstered by collaborative efforts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), who have initiated the vaccination programme.

Every year March 24 is observed worldwide as World TB Day, advocating for concerted global action to combat this infectious disease.

The BMC’s health department has announced it will administer the BCG vaccine to adults as part of a proactive measure to curb tuberculosis (TB). This decision comes amidst a trial study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of the vaccine in TB prevention.

The civic body has identified six high-risk groups, aged 18 and above, in the city to take part in this trial. However, since it is a voluntary vaccination, written consent will need to be obtained from eligible beneficiaries before administering the vaccine. The trial will begin in May.

Every year March 24 is observed worldwide as World TB Day, advocating for concerted global action to combat this infectious disease. Aligning with this year’s theme, “Yes, We Can End TB,” the BMC has embarked on a trial initiative deploying the BCG vaccine.

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Also read | Survey to identify individuals at high-risk of contracting TB to begin next month

The initiative is bolstered by collaborative efforts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), who have initiated the vaccination programme.

“The vaccine trials will be implemented systematically, with health volunteers and ASHA workers conducting surveys among eligible beneficiaries in April, followed by a vaccination rollout starting May. A phased approach has been outlined to extend vaccination to a wider populace in the subsequent months of June, July and August,” said a senior health officer, BMC.

Dr Sudhakar Shinde, additional commissioner, BMC, said the BCG vaccine trial signals a concerted effort by Mumbai’s health authorities to combat TB, and also marks a significant stride in ending TB on a global scale.

Dr Daksha Shah, executive health officer, BMC, highlighted a significant development, reporting a decrease in the number of TB patients in Mumbai for the first time. Figures from 2023 indicate a decline compared with the previous year, with 50,206 cases reported, as opposed to 55,284 in 2022. However, a concerning uptick in TB cases from outside Mumbai has been noted, emphasising the importance of concerted efforts in disease prevention and control.

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Dr Shah attributed the decline in TB cases to proactive measures undertaken by MCGM, including preventative treatment for individuals in close contact with TB patients, and various other treatment modalities initiated for TB patients, particularly those with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB). “Notably, the treatment’s success rate for drug-resistant TB improved significantly from 72 per cent in 2020 to 77 per cent in 2021,” she added.