Introduction

Class Name(s):

• 80:12 Vaccines

Other Name(s):

• TICE^® BCG

Why get vaccinated?

BCG (Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin) vaccine may prevent tuberculosis (TB; a highly contagious disease that can cause infections in the lung or other parts of the body) in people with a high risk for exposure to theMycobacterium tuberculosisbacteria.

Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis can cause the following: a life-threatening infection that commonly affects the lungs, but may spread to other parts of your body such as the kidneys, brain, and spine.

BCG vaccine contains live strain of the bacteria that has been weakened so it does not cause disease but can still stimulate the body to make antibodies against the bacteria to provide a defense against potential infection.

How is the vaccine given?

BCG vaccine comes as a powder to be mixed with water to be given by a puncture device into the skin by a healthcare provider. Keep the area dry and loosely covered for 24 hours after injection.

BCG vaccine is given as as a single dose but may be repeated if the person does not show immunity by a TB skin test after 2-3 months.

What should you tell the person who is giving the vaccine?

Tell your vaccine provider if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, an immune disorder or family history of an immune disorder, cancer, or are receiving immunosuppressant or antibiotic medications.
• have recently received another vaccine or have had a positive reaction to a TB skin test.
• are pregnant. BCG vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy. Talk to your vaccine provider about the right time to receive this vaccine.
• are breastfeeding. BCG vaccine is not generally recommended while breastfeeding.

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.

What are the risks from vaccination?

Side effects that have been reported with BCG vaccine include:

• swollen lymph nodes
• irritation, bumps, or ulcers at the site of vaccination

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• fever, loss of appetite, sore muscles, or pain

You should know that BCG vaccine has caused an inflammation of the bone, usually in the leg. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: pain, swelling, or difficulty walking.

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit http://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

How can I learn more?

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you or you can obtain it at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
• Ask your healthcare provider.
• Call your local or state health department.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: June 15, 2026.