TB vaccine BCG effective for twice as long as previously thought – study

Benefits of world's only vaccine against tuberculosis were underestimated as new findings reveal it protects against the disease for at least 20 years

The BCG, an old vaccine but the only one against tuberculosis, is more effective than was thought, offering protection for at least 20 years, a new study shows.

BCG vaccination used to be routine in all secondary schools in the UK for young teenagers, but in recent years it has been given only to those at risk, such as children living in inner-city areas with relatively high TB rates.