[Incidence of infant tuberculosis in Germany during the first year after cessation of unselected BCG vaccination (author's transl)].

At the end of May 1975, BCG vaccine was withdrawn from the market in the Federal Republic of Germany, because a newly introduced vaccine had given rise to untoward reactions. Neonatal vaccination practically ceased. The results of a survey by questionnaire, undertaken on behalf of the Vaccination Committee of the German Society for Social Paediatrics, are reported. From 1.9.1975 to 31.8.1976 the incidence of tuberculosis in the first year of life had already doubled compared with the reported annual rate in both 1973 and 1974. Almost all cases were due to infection by adults not thought to be infectious. It is recommended that indications for "selective vaccination" should be broadened and the results of longer exposure time of unvaccinated children be awaited before any stoppage of general vaccination is decided upon.