Underwhelming Response to TB Vaccine in South Goa: Only 2,321 Vaccinated Out of 6 Lakh Target

Panaji: The response to the tuberculosis prevention vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), introduced in South Goa in 2024, was underwhelming. Of the target population of six lakh, 5,919 individuals consented to receive the BCG vaccines, but only 2,321 were actually vaccinated, according to a field survey conducted by health services in January last year.

The survey, carried out in collaboration with the ministry of health and the Indian Council of Medical Research, has not yet been extended to North Goa. The vaccines, intended for children and adults at high risk of the disease, were made available at health centres and district hospitals.

“People are averse to the TB vaccine as they believe it will have adverse effects on their healt

h,” said Dr Manish Gaunekar, chief medical officer, National TB Elimination Programme at the directorate of health services. “Covid vaccine didn’t stop infection, so why should we take this one? They ask us,” Gaunekar added.

Since Jan, 900 people have been diagnosed with tuberculosis, with 99 cases detected in June alone. In 2024, Goa’s TB infection rate stood at 8.6%, with a caseload of 2,064. The state has seen a decline in the relapse rate from 2 to 3 per cent in 2020 to 1 to 2 per cent in 2024.

Gaunekar said that a patient may relapse if they discontinue treatment prematurely. Re-occurrence of the ailment is also possible if the treating doctor does not prescribe the correct regimen of medicine. Treatment of TB at health centres does not end with diagnosis and the distribution of medicines. “We keep in touch with patients beyond the healing point. We ensure there is no presence of infectious bacteria in their sputum,” Gaunekar stated.

Under the TB elimination programme, Gaunekar mentioned that an aggressive awareness campaign is underway at various levels, including schools, colleges, towns, and villages, to encourage people to get vaccinated.

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