On May 16th, a three-month anti-tuberculosis vaccine drive started in 12 districts of Andhra Pradesh for citizens aged 18 and above.
The 12 districts are Sri Satya Sai, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, YSR Kadapa, Guntur, Krishna, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Annamayya, SPSR Nellore , Nandyal, Palnadu and Chittoor.
Some rules have been laid out on who can receive the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine in this drive. These vaccines will be administered to individuals in five categories:
Those who have been diagnosed and completed their TB treatment five years ago
Contacts of TB patients treated in 2021
Diabetic patients
Smokers
Citizens aged 60 and above with a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 18kg/m2
In a press statement on 15th May, S. Venkateswar, Medical Health and Family Welfare Commissioner said that the drive was planned for 3 months and has been jointly organized by the District Tuberculosis Prevention and District Immunization Officers. The department is taking all precautionary measures and plans to reduce the prevalence of TB by 2025.
Nodal officers have been appointed to monitor this program, while Community Health Officers (CHOs), ANMs, ASHAs, and TB Champions have been given the responsibility of encouraging people to take the vaccine and stay safe.
Officials have also stated that taking the TB vaccine is an important precaution against Tuberculosis and is completely safe for adults.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Aditi Madathingal/MSM)
