The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday, has launched a pilot project to provide the anti-tuberculosis (TB) BCG vaccine to high-risk adults across 12 city wards.
This initiative, which is supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), focuses on people who have had TB treatment during the last five years, their household contacts during the previous three years, diabetics, smokers, people who are malnourished, and senior citizens who are 60 years of age or above. Eligible individuals must provide written agreement for the volunteer immunization.
According to BMC Health Official, health volunteers and ASHA workers conducted surveys between September and December to identify beneficiaries. This drive aligns with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, aiming to eradicate TB by 2025. On the first day of the drive, BMC vaccinated 1,990 individuals and plans to cover 30,000 to 40,000 people, tracking their progress for three years to assess the vaccine’s efficacy.
Apart from the BCG drive, the civic body introduced Cy-TB testing for early detection of latent infections. Cy-TB is a skin test using TB antigens, similar to the tuberculin test, with results available within 48-72 hours.
While BCG is usually given to 15-day-old infants, this project explores its potential in boosting TB protection among adults. Over 10 lakh people statewide have already received the vaccine in recent months. The initiative marks a significant step in combating tuberculosis, especially among vulnerable populations.
