Andhra Pradesh survey before new TB vaccine release for TB patients

Visakhapatnam: A new vaccine is coming for tuberculosis (TB) patients. Currently undergoing the crucial third phase of clinical trials, the vaccine would be released in 2024, in what signals a breakthrough in treatment of this infectious disease.

As part of this, a comprehensive TB survey is under way in Andhra Pradesh, the state that reports a staggering 60,000 to 80,000 tuberculosis cases annually. The vaccine is currently awaiting completion of the clinical trials.

District TB control officer, B Purnendra, said the survey was a collaborative effort between the state and central governments. The governments are diligently planning the vaccine distribution strategy.