Tuberculosis (BCG) Vaccination
The BCG vaccine helps protect against tuberculosis (TB), a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. It is advised for some travellers to high-risk countries and for certain people in the UK.
£99 per dose — single dose
Who it is for
Unvaccinated people, especially children under 16, moving to or living long-term in high-incidence countries, and some people at occupational risk
Number of doses
A single dose
When to have it
Several weeks before travel, as a skin test or assessment may be needed first
How long protection lasts
Long-term; routine repeat vaccination is not recommended
How it is given
An intradermal injection, usually into the upper arm
Price
£99 per dose
Quick answer
The BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis (TB) and is given as a single dose. It is recommended mainly for unvaccinated children under 16 who will be living long-term in high-risk countries, and for certain occupational groups such as some healthcare and laboratory workers. BCG vaccination is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire, following a risk assessment.
About Tuberculosis (BCG) Vaccination
Tuberculosis is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body, and it is passed on through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Although TB is uncommon in much of the UK, it remains widespread in many parts of the world.
The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine is a single-dose live vaccine that is most effective at protecting babies and young children against the most severe forms of TB. Its protective benefit is greatest when given early in life.
BCG is recommended for unvaccinated people, particularly children under 16, who will be living for an extended period or moving to a country with a high incidence of TB, and for some people at occupational risk. At Crewe Travel Clinic we can assess your risk and advise whether BCG is appropriate, often alongside a pre-vaccination check.
Timing
Several weeks before travel
BCG is a single dose, and it is sensible to attend well before departure as a skin test or assessment may be needed beforehand.
Effectiveness
Variable, strongest in children
BCG offers the best protection against severe childhood forms of TB such as TB meningitis, while its protection against adult lung TB is more variable.
Duration
Long-term
A single BCG dose is considered to provide long-term protection, and routine repeat vaccination is not recommended.
Signs & symptoms
- A persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, sometimes bringing up phlegm or blood
- Fever and night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Persistent tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell
- Swollen glands, often in the neck
- Chest pain or breathlessness in more advanced disease
Who should consider this vaccine?
BCG is recommended for unvaccinated people, especially children under 16, who plan to live for three months or more in a country with a high incidence of TB. It may also be advised for some healthcare and laboratory workers and others at occupational risk who are not already immune. A risk assessment, and sometimes a skin test, helps decide whether vaccination is suitable.
High Risk Areas
Traveller Risk Factors
Who should have this vaccine
BCG is not part of routine universal vaccination in the UK and is offered selectively to those at higher risk. It is recommended mainly for unvaccinated people, particularly children under 16, who will be living for three months or more in a country with a high incidence of TB, and for some adults at occupational or personal risk. A risk assessment, and sometimes a skin test, helps decide whether vaccination is suitable.
- Unvaccinated children under 16 moving to or staying long-term in a high-incidence country
- People visiting friends and relatives in regions where TB is common
- Some healthcare, laboratory and care workers at occupational risk who are not already immune
- Generally not advised for people aged 35 and over, as there is little evidence of benefit in this age group
The vaccination course
BCG is a live vaccine given as a single intradermal injection, usually into the upper arm. Only one dose is needed and routine repeat vaccination is not recommended. Before vaccination, a tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test) may be carried out to check whether you have already been exposed to TB, although this is not usually required for children under six who have no known TB contact. It is best to attend well before travel so that any test and the vaccine can be completed in good time.
- Given as one dose, with no booster needed
- A skin test may be required first, depending on age and history
- Cannot be given at the same site as another vaccine; spacing from other live vaccines may be advised
- Attend several weeks before departure to allow time for testing and healing
How long does protection last
A single BCG dose is considered to provide long-term protection, and there is no recommendation to repeat it. The vaccine offers the best protection against the most severe forms of TB in babies and young children, such as TB meningitis and disseminated (miliary) TB. Its protection against lung TB in adults is more variable, so it is not a substitute for other sensible precautions while abroad.
- Long-term protection from a single dose
- Most effective against severe childhood forms of TB
- Less reliable against adult lung TB
- Sensible precautions, such as avoiding close contact with people who have active TB, remain important
Possible side effects
BCG reactions are usually mild and localised. It is normal for a small blister or sore to develop at the injection site within a few weeks; this can ooze slightly and may take several weeks or longer to heal, often leaving a small flat scar. Keeping the area clean and dry, and avoiding covering it with a dressing, helps it heal. More serious reactions are uncommon. As with any live vaccine, BCG is not suitable for everyone, including people who are pregnant or who have a weakened immune system.
- A small blister, sore or ulcer at the injection site that heals slowly and may leave a scar
- Swelling or tenderness around the injection site and occasionally a swollen gland nearby
- Mild reactions that usually settle without treatment
- Speak to our team about suitability if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a weakened immune system