BCG

Why BCG is important 

The BCG vaccine is a one off life-time vaccination that provides vital protection against the most severe forms of TB in early childhood e.g. TB meningitis. Delivering the service in community clinics helps ensure babies across North London can access the vaccine safely and conveniently. 

 

What are the symptoms of TB? 

TB can affect any part of the body. The symptoms will vary and the signs of disease in a baby may be different from those of an adult. As TB is infectious, it is important that you can recognise the disease in someone else. You should contact a doctor if you, your baby, or any other member of your family, or a friend has any of the following. 

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• persistent cough that lasts for 3 weeks or more  

• fever  

• sweating, especially at night

• loss of appetite

•  unexplained weight loss  

• failure for a baby to put on weight 

• a general and unusual sense of tiredness and being unwell  

• coughing up blood 

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How is TB caught?  

You can only catch TB from someone whose lungs or throat are already infected and who is coughing. When they cough, a spray of tiny droplets is produced that contain the bacteria. If someone breathes in the droplets they too can catch the infection. It takes sharing of an enclosed space with an infected person, for example living in the same house, to be at risk of being infected.  

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How common is TB in the UK?

Rates of TB are higher in some communities of people who were not born in the UK. This is largely because of their connections to areas of the world where rates of TB are high. Vaccination UK are commissioned by NHS England to provide the infant BCG programme in Newham and Tower Hamlets.

 

All babies born in Newham are eligible for the BCG vaccine, and some babies born in Tower Hamlets are eligible. This will depend on where their parents or grandparents were born. Please speak to your GP, Midwife or Health Visitor to see if your baby is eligible for the vaccine.

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Is TB contagious?

Yes. TB is spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air when a person with TB coughs or sneezes and somebody else breathes in these droplets.

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But TB is not as easy to catch as measles, the common cold or flu. You usually need to spend a long time in close contact with an infected person (with TB in their lungs or throat) before you catch TB.

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For example, TB is usually caught from family members or friends who are living in the same house.

TB cannot be spread through touch or sharing cutlery, bedding or clothes.

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Why is my baby being offered BCG?  

In the UK, like many other countries, BCG is offered to babies who are likely to spend time with someone with TB. This includes babies who live in an area with high rates of TB or babies with parents or grandparents from a country with high rates of TB.

 

How is my baby immunised?

Your baby will be given the BCG vaccination in the upper part of the left arm. The vaccination is given soon after birth, usually by 28 days after birth. 

 

Are there any side effects?

Immediately after the injection, a raised blister will appear. This shows that the injection has been given properly. Within 2 to 6 weeks of the injection a small spot will appear. This may be quite sore for a few days, but it should gradually heal if you don’t cover it. It may leave a small scar. This may weep and scab for several months, this is normal and it should gradually heal if you don't cover it with plasters. It is likely to leave a small shallow flat scar once healed.

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How will my baby receive an appointment?  

Once the referral is received, parents are contacted to book an appointment. The vaccine is given in the left upper arm and helps protect young children from the most serious forms of TB. 

 

How do I know if my baby is eligible? 
Your baby may be eligible for the BCG vaccine if their parent or grandparent was born in a country with a higher risk of tuberculosis — defined as a TB rate of more than 40 cases per 100,000 people. 

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You can check your baby eligibility by following: TB Profile website

 

If you are unsure you can also contact the team: 020 334 323 99 

 

What if my baby has still not been offered an appointment? 

If your baby is eligible, please contact the team for an appointment: 020 334 323 99 

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Useful links:

 

Find the NHS UK BCG vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) FAQs here: 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/bcg-tb-vaccine-questions-answers/