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B.C.G. Vaccine
In 1921, after many years of careful research, two famous
French scientists (Calmette and Guerin) produced a vaccine that can
be injected into human beings of all ages and so build up their
resistance. The vaccine is a weakened strain of a bovine tubercle
germ known as Bacillus Calmette-Guerin or B.C.G.
Since that time much careful research has been devoted to
determining the true value of B.C.G. vaccination; but Britain,
which has so often taken a leading part in public health and progress
in the past, appears to have lagged behind other countries (such as
Scandinavia, Canada, U.S.A., Eire and Brazil), where it is claimed
that B.C.G. vaccination has caused a remarkable reduction in the
incidence and mortality.
The Medical Research Council in this country is now conducting
a large-scale investigation into the value of B.C.G. vaccination in
school leavers and adolescents, and since October, 1950, we have
been engaged, in collaboration with the M.R.C., in a trial of B.C.G.
vaccine in Leyton Schools. The efficacy of the vaccine is being
tested in school leavers, who will be kept under observation for
three years.
B.C.G. vaccination is not a form of treatment, but a means of
prevention. It cannot protect those who have already been infected
with tuberculosis, so in order to find out if this has occurred one or
more skin tests have to be done before vaccination. Those found
to be susceptible are then offered vaccination, and after about six
weeks another skin test is done to see if the vaccination has
" taken
Certain persons need to be segregated from exposure to infection
while the skin testing and vaccination are being carried out, and in
connection with the Essex County _ Council Scheme residential
accommodation is available at Ardmore Hostel, Buckhurst Hill.
Responsibility for Vaccination with B.C.G.
In a special Medical Memorandum (322/B.C.G.) issued in May,
1950, the Ministry of Health indicated that they were prepared to
make B.C.G. vaccine, for use within the Local Health Authority's
arrangements for vaccination of contacts, available only to Chest
Physicians accredited to the hospital service who may wish to make
use of it.