What are the risks and benefits of being vaccinated against tb?
## Benefits of being Vaccinated against Tuberculosis (TB)* Protection against TB disease. The TB vaccine is effective in preventing TB disease in children and adults. It is estimated that the vaccine prevents about one-third of all cases of TB disease in the United States each year.
* Reduced risk of severe TB disease. In people who do get TB disease after being vaccinated, the vaccine can reduce the risk of developing severe disease, such as TB meningitis or miliary TB.
* Protection for people with weakened immune systems. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes, are at increased risk of developing TB disease. The TB vaccine can help protect these people from developing TB disease.
* Potential for eradication of TB. If enough people are vaccinated against TB, it is possible to eradicate the disease. This would be a major public health achievement, as TB is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide.
Risks of being Vaccinated against Tuberculosis (TB)
* Local reactions: The most common side effect of the TB vaccine is a local reaction at the injection site. This can include redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, the local reaction can be severe enough to require medical attention.
* Systemic reactions: Systemic reactions to the TB vaccine are rare, but they can include fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. These reactions usually go away within a few days.
* Risk of TB disease. In some people, the TB vaccine can cause a condition called post-vaccinal TB disease. This is a rare complication that occurs when the vaccine bacteria become active and cause TB disease. Post-vaccinal TB disease is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems.
* Allergic reactions. The TB vaccine contains a small amount of thimerosal, which is a preservative. Some people are allergic to thimerosal, and they should not receive the TB vaccine.
The risks of the TB vaccine are generally mild and outweighed by the benefits. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the TB vaccine before you decide whether to get vaccinated.
Who should get vaccinated against TB?
The TB vaccine is recommended for:
* All infants, children, and adolescents under the age of 18 who live in or travel to areas where TB is common
* People who have been exposed to someone with TB disease
* People with weakened immune systems
* People who work in healthcare settings or other settings where they may be exposed to TB
If you are not sure whether you should get vaccinated against TB, talk to your doctor.