BCG vaccine for tuberculosis (TB)

The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine helps protect you against an infection called tuberculosis (TB). It’s mainly given to babies and young children who are at higher risk of getting TB.

The Paediatric BCG team are responsible for giving the BCG vaccine in Buckinghamshire.  They offer clinics across the county and can be phoned on: 01494 323000 or emailed at: bht.buckspaediatricbcgservice@nhs.net

What the BCG vaccine is for?

The BCG vaccine helps protect against an infection called Tuberculosis (TB). TB mainly affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body. It can become very serious if not treated. The vaccine is particularly helpful in protecting babies and young children against more serious forms of TB, such as TB meningitis (TB that affects the brain).

Who should have the BCG vaccine?

The BCG vaccine is not routinely given as part of the NHS vaccination schedule. It is only recommended for people at higher risk of getting tuberculosis (TB), such as some babies and children, some travellers and people at risk through their work. You only need to have the BCG vaccine once.

It’s recommended that your baby has the BCG vaccine if any of the following apply:

• They live in an area of the UK where there is a higher risk of getting TB
• They have a parent or grandparent born in a country where there is a higher risk of getting TB
• They’ll be going to live or stay in a country where there is a higher risk of getting TB
• They have been living with, or in regular close contact with, someone who has or had TB

If your baby needs the vaccine, they will usually be given it at around 14-28 days old.

The BCG vaccine is also recommended for children aged 1 to 16 years of age if any of the following apply:

• They have a parent or grandparent born in a country where there is a higher risk of getting TB
• They were born or lived for at least 3 months in a country where there is a higher risk of getting TB
• They have been living with, or in regular close contact with, someone who has or had TB

How to get the BCG vaccine

Your midwife, health visitor, local health centre or hospital will usually let you know if the BCG vaccine is recommended for your baby. If your baby is eligible for the BCG vaccine the Buckinghamshire Paediatric BCG service will contact, you when your baby is a few days old to ask if you would like your baby to have it.

Your baby will usually be offered it at around 14-28 days old, after they’ve had their results from the newborn blood spot test, which tests for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). If they have SCID then they will not be given the BCG vaccine.

For other young children speak to your Health Visitor, GP surgery or contact the BCG service if you think you or your child may need the BCG vaccine.

How the BCG vaccine is given

The BCG vaccine is given as an injection into the upper part of the left arm. You only need 1 dose.

Some children and adults need to have a skin test (called the tuberculin skin test or Mantoux test) a few days before having the BCG vaccine. This is to see if they already have TB or have had it before. A small amount of liquid is injected under the skin on the forearm. This liquid will cause a small reaction on your skin if you have or had TB. If the test shows you’re likely to have TB or have had it before, you should not have the BCG vaccine.

Having the BCG vaccine at the same time as other vaccines

You can have the BCG vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, but you should not have another injection in the same arm for at least 3 months after the BCG vaccine, as it can cause swelling in your glands. For babies, ask the person giving the BCG vaccine to fill out your child’s personal child health record (red book) so you can show it to anyone giving your child an injection in the next 3 months.

Side effects of the BCG vaccine

Like all medicines, the BCG vaccine can cause side effects.

The main side effect of the BCG vaccine is a blister where the injection was given. This may appear as a raised bubble straight after the injection and then turn into a blister or a sore after 2 weeks. It then forms a scab and can take a few weeks or months to heal, leaving a small flat scar. During this time, try to leave the site uncovered. If the blister starts to ooze or weep, you can use a dry dressing until a scab forms, but do not use a plaster. If you’re worried or you think the blister has become infected, see a GP.

Other side effects of the BCG vaccine are uncommon and usually mild. They can include:

• A high temperature (fever)
• A headache
• Swollen glands under the armpit on the side of your body where the injection was given

More serious side effects are rare and include:

• A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – the person who vaccinates your baby/child will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately
• An abscess (build-up of pus) where the injection was given

Take a look at the TB, BCG vaccine and your baby leaflet for more information.