The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine protects against tuberculosis (TB), particularly severe forms in children:

• Miliary tuberculosis
• Tuberculous meningitis

In Pakistan's EPI schedule, BCG is given at birth or as early as possible as a single intradermal dose of 0.05 ml (in infants) into the left upper arm. A tuberculin skin test (Mantoux) that is positive before vaccination is a contraindication. Pakistan has one of the highest TB burdens globally, making BCG vaccination critical in community health nursing practice.