BCG (TB) Vaccination

The BCG ( Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine contains a live attenuated (modified) strain derived from M.Bovis. It does not contain thiomersal or any other preservative.The vaccine has been shown to be 70% -80% effective against the most serious form of the disease, such as TB Meningitis in children. Protection has been shown to last for 10-15 years. There is no evidence to suggest that repeat vaccinations offer significant additional protection and repeat BCG vaccination is not recommended.

BCG is not usually recommended for people over the age of 35yrs old unless the risk of exposure is great (eg. Healthcare or laboratory workers at occupational risk, prison staff working directly with patients, staff of hostels for homeless people and facilities accomodating refugees and asylum seekers, veterinary and staff such as abattoir workers who handle animal species known to be susceptible to TB, or where vaccination is indicated for travel)

What to expect:

The vaccination is given superficially  (intradermally) into the outer aspect of the left upper arm. A very small quantity is injected. 0.05mls for infants under 12 months and 0.1 ml for children aged 12 months or older and adults. A small bleb will appear.

The reaction seen in 90 -95% of recipients is thickening at the injection site followed by a local lesion ( spot ) which starts two or more weeks after vaccination. It may leak and then slowly subside over several weeks or months. It will heal leaving a small flat scar. It may also cause the glands in your armpit to enlarge to less than 1cm in size.

The injection site does not need to be kept dry during bathing.  Swimming is allowed.

Try to prevent rubbing of the site by tight clothes. Should any oozing occur, a temporary, dry dressing may be used until the scab forms. It is essential for air to get to the wound so plaster should be avoided or if unavoidable, (eg. to permit swimming) then it should be kept on for the minimum of time possible as it will delay healing and also cause a bigger scar.

After vaccination a person takes on average 4 - 6 weeks to develop significant immunity.

For further details or to book your Mantoux and BCG vaccination appointments please contact Derbyshire Medical Ltd.

              Please call 01246-590530