Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a severe infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, including the brain (meningitis), bones, joints and kidneys.
BCG Vaccine
The BCG vaccine, short for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine, is not a part of the routine NHS vaccination schedule. It is administered on the NHS when there is a perceived increased risk of TB exposure for a child or adult.
Babies For infants up to 1 year old, BCG vaccination is recommended if they:
- Are born in areas of the UK with high TB rates
- Have a parent or grandparent born in a high TB rate country
- Live with or have close contact with someone who has infectious TB
If recommended for your baby, the BCG vaccine is typically offered around 28 days after birth. You may receive it at a hospital, local healthcare centre or occasionally at your GP surgery.
Children Under 16 Older children who face an increased risk of developing TB, such as those with a parent or grandparent from a high TB rate country or recent arrivals from such regions, may be recommended for BCG vaccination. Also, children planning to live with local residents in high TB rate countries for 3 months or longer, or those in close contact with infectious TB individuals, may require BCG vaccination.
Adults BCG vaccination for individuals over 16 years of age is rare due to limited evidence of its effectiveness in adults. However, some adults aged 16 to 35 at risk of TB exposure through their occupation, such as healthcare workers, veterinary staff and abattoir workers, may be offered the vaccine. Arrangements for adult BCG vaccination are typically made through the local occupational health department.
Administration The BCG vaccine is administered via injection into the left upper arm, typically leaving a small scar, and is a one-time administration.
Effectiveness The BCG vaccine is derived from a weakened TB bacteria strain. Although it stimulates the immune system to protect against TB, it does not cause TB infection. It offers reliable protection against severe forms of TB, including TB meningitis in children. However, its effectiveness in preventing TB affecting the lungs in adults is limited, resulting in a reduced impact on TB transmission.
Side Effects
While the BCG vaccine can cause side effects, they are rare and usually mild. Common side effects may include:
- Soreness or discharge at the injection site
- A mild fever
- Headache
- Swollen glands under the armpit on the injected arm
Serious complications like abscesses, bone inflammation and widespread TB are exceedingly rare. Most children develop a sore at the injection site, which may leave a small scar once healed, a normal occurrence not requiring concern.
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to the BCG vaccine are very rare. To report suspected side effects, you can use the Yellow Card Scheme, overseen by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which monitors vaccine safety.
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