WHO Recommendations

BCG vaccination is recommended in countries or settings with a high incidence of TB and/or high leprosy burden as well as where Buruli ulcer occurs. A single dose should be given to all healthy neonates at birth. If the vaccine cannot be administered at birth, it should be given at the earliest opportunity thereafter.

Countries with low incidence of TB or leprosy may choose to selectively vaccinate high-risk neonates. Additionally, countries with declining rates of TB are encouraged to evaluate the epidemiology of TB and leprosy and consider a switch to selective risk group vaccination.