Who in New Zealand should receive the BCG vaccination for tuberculosis?

The recommendation for administering the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccination in New Zealand focuses on specific populations at higher risk for tuberculosis (TB) exposure. Babies in contact with someone who has active tuberculosis should receive the vaccination to provide them with immunity against the disease, as they are at an elevated risk of contracting TB.

This approach ensures that the BCG vaccination is utilized effectively by targeting those who need it most, particularly infants who might be vulnerable due to close contact with a contagious individual. It is important to differentiate that the BCG vaccination is not routinely given to all infants or those in low TB rate areas because the general risk is lower, and vaccination has not shown enough benefit in these populations. Furthermore, adults with symptoms of tuberculosis do not receive the BCG vaccine; instead, they would undergo diagnostic evaluation and treatment for the disease.

Therefore, prioritizing BCG vaccination for infants who have been exposed to TB is a targeted and effective strategy to control the spread of tuberculosis.