In which population is the BCG vaccine typically administered?

The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is primarily administered to infants in high-prevalence areas for tuberculosis (TB). This vaccination strategy is implemented to provide early protection against severe forms of TB, particularly in young children, who are at a higher risk of developing disseminated disease if they contract the infection.

In high-prevalence countries, where TB is endemic and the risk of exposure is significantly increased, the vaccination can help reduce the incidence of severe forms of the disease, such as meningitis and miliary TB. Administering the vaccine at birth provides the added advantage of mobilizing the immune system early, which is vital in populations where the risk of contracting TB is particularly high due to environmental exposure or close contact with infectious individuals.

While the vaccine has limited efficacy against pulmonary TB in adults, it remains a key intervention in protecting infants and young children in these populations. Therefore, the correct context for the administration of the BCG vaccine is among infants in high-prevalence TB countries, aligning with established public health guidelines aimed at controlling tuberculosis in vulnerable populations.