Key Highlights:
- Delhi health department vaccinates 50,000+ adults with BCG.
- Ongoing trial aims to combat tuberculosis (TB) and reduce mortality rates.
- Study part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP).
Delhi’s Major TB Vaccine Initiative: Over 50,000 Adults Vaccinated
In a significant public health initiative, the Delhi government has administered the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine to over 50,000 adults. This effort is part of a broader trial aimed at combating tuberculosis (TB) and reducing related mortality rates. The Adult BCG Vaccination Study, conducted under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), targets high-risk populations across five revenue districts in Delhi: New Delhi, North-East, West, East, and South, with six additional districts serving as control areas.
Exploring the Potential of BCG Vaccination for Adults
Traditionally used to vaccinate newborns, the BCG vaccine is now being investigated for its potential benefits in adults, particularly those at higher risk of TB. Historical data, including findings from the Chingleput BCG trial, suggest a modest 36% efficacy over a 15-year period, indicating potential advantages for adult vaccination.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted that a TB vaccine with 50% efficacy could reduce TB incidence by 12% and mortality by 8.5% by 2030. This underscores the importance of exploring and validating new vaccination strategies.
Study Details and Target Population
The study, led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Health Research (DHR), focuses on adults aged 18 and above from high-risk groups. These groups include:
- Contacts of TB patients within the last three years.
- Individuals treated for TB in the last five years.
- Those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18 kg/m².
- Adults aged 60 and above.
- Self-reported smokers and diabetics.
The trial aims to monitor the health outcomes of these participants over the next three years, with 14 periodic assessments planned to evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness.
Aligning with National TB Elimination Goals
This initiative aligns with the National Strategic Plan 2017-2025 for TB, which seeks to achieve India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for TB elimination by 2025. By focusing on prevention strategies, including the innovative approach of adult BCG vaccination, Delhi aims to make significant progress in eradicating TB.
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