Pune: In a decisive step to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) from the district, the Pune District Health Department has begun administering the BCG vaccine to citizens over the age of 18.

Traditionally, the BCG vaccine is given to newborns to protect them from TB, but with the increasing risk of TB among adults, the health department has now extended the vaccination drive to include older age groups. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to eradicate TB completely.

According to Dr. Sachin Desai, District Health Officer, and Dr. Vikas Vadgaye, District Tuberculosis Officer, the vaccination campaign will prioritize individuals identified through a district-wide survey conducted by ASHA workers.

The survey targeted households across Pune to assess the TB risk in adults, and individuals considered at higher risk will be prioritized for vaccination.

The campaign is part of a pilot project that will roll out across certain rural districts and municipal areas in Maharashtra from September. Initially, the vaccine will be administered to adult groups identified as having a higher likelihood of contracting tuberculosis.

In Pune, a total of 750,704 people were identified through the survey, with 432,232 consenting to receive the vaccine.

Only those who have provided consent will be eligible for the vaccination. Special vaccination sessions are being organized in various villages, sub-centers, and primary health centers across the district. Beneficiaries will need to provide identification, such as an Aadhaar card or PAN card, to receive the vaccine.

Dr. Desai and Dr. Vadgaye have urged all eligible residents to participate in the vaccination drive to protect themselves and contribute to the district’s goal of eradicating tuberculosis.

The BCG vaccine, which has been used for decades to protect infants from TB, is now being repurposed to safeguard adults, particularly those at higher risk of contracting the disease.

The initiative is part of a larger national and state-level effort to bring TB under control and ultimately eradicate it. The health department is hopeful that this expanded vaccination drive will significantly reduce TB cases in the district.