Have adults being vaccinated in India?
Recent study in Delhi, conducted as part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) over 50,000 adults have been vaccinated against tuberculosis by BCG vaccine.
What is the principle behind vaccination in adults?
Traditionally given to newborns, the BCG vaccine is being explored for its efficacy in reducing tuberculosis cases among high-risk adults
What about the ongoing trial of vaccination against tuberculosis by BCG vaccine in Pune?
The health department has administered the BCG vaccine to over 4500 adults in Pune district. This is to determine the efficacy of the vaccine in preventing tuberculosis infection among adults. The study started on September 3. Pune district has been divided into two groups. Those who received the vaccine were from Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune rural. They will be administered one shot. They would be compared with 4500 adults from Pune city who will not receive the vaccine. They would be observed for 3 years in terms of infection due to tuberculosis or deaths due to tuberculosis.
What is the nature of the study?
The study is being conducted across five districts in Delhi where adults have been vaccinated, while six other districts serve as control areas where adults have not been vaccinated. Participants will be monitored through regular health assessments over three years to determine the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing tuberculosis. This is in collaboration between various governmental agencies in Delhi. It is a huge collaborative effort. The aim is to reduce deaths due to tuberculosis and help meet India’s goal of eliminating TB by 2025. This is a ground breaking BCG trial.
Why vaccinate adults?
This vaccine is regularly given to infants till 1 year of age. Its effectiveness in adults is not proven. Past research that was carried out at Chingleput, showed a modest efficacy of 36% over 15 years, there is still hope that adult vaccination could help high-risk individuals.
What is the opinion of the World Health Organisation?
According to WHO, a TB vaccine with just 50% efficacy could impact global TB incidence by 12% and deaths by 8.5% by 2030. India carries the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world. The Delhi study aims to provide critical data on whether adult vaccination could contribute to these global goals.
