Currently, all newborns receive the tuberculosis vaccine between one and five days of age. This is currently stipulated by the vaccination schedule. In June, an expert committee decided to support the initiation of preparations for transitioning to selective vaccination.
Maia-Triin Kanarbik, advisor at the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Social Affairs, stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccinating all newborns in countries with high tuberculosis incidence. In countries with low incidence, vaccination can be limited to specific risk groups.
Kanarbik mentioned that Estonia is among the countries with low tuberculosis incidence. The incidence rate has been steadily decreasing. For example, Finland and Sweden have successfully transitioned to risk group-based vaccination. This change has not increased childhood illness.
Correspondence among officials at the Ministry of Social Affairs has indicated that a change is unlikely before 2028. Transitioning to a new system is a complex process that requires significant effort. For instance, risk groups need to be identified, smooth organization ensured, and healthcare workers trained.
For now, the Ministry of Social Affairs continues to recommend that all parents vaccinate their children against tuberculosis. Although the incidence has declined, the proportion of drug-resistant cases remains high, approximately 20% of all pulmonary tuberculosis cases.
In Estonia, the Health Development Institute (TAI) keeps track of tuberculosis cases. According to their data, there were 28 new cases in the first six months of this year. No cases were diagnosed in children under 14. Last year, 86 people fell ill, and in 2024, 88 people. In 2011, the number was 316.
As of 2025, the coverage of tuberculosis vaccination for newborns was 87.6%, according to data from the Health Board.