Tuberculosis can be prevented by what vaccine?

Tuberculosis can be prevented by the BCG vaccine, which specifically targets the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the cause of tuberculosis (TB). The BCG vaccine, derived from a weakened strain of Mycobacterium bovis, has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of tuberculosis, particularly in children who are at higher risk of severe forms of the disease.

The BCG vaccine helps to primate the immune system by enabling it to recognize and fight the TB bacteria if exposed. While the vaccine does not guarantee complete protection against tuberculosis, it significantly lowers the risk of severe disease forms and death. This is particularly important in regions where TB is endemic.

The other vaccines mentioned serve different purposes: the MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella; the influenza vaccine immunizes against the seasonal flu; and the pneumococcal vaccine is effective against pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Each of these vaccines addresses different infections and thus does not provide protection against tuberculosis.