INTRODUCTION
Recently tuberculosis cases have spread and are back in the UK, hence the need for protection with BCG, as the NHS do not vaccinate routinely in all areas, and do not vaccinate at schools at 12 or 13 years anymore, only at birth.
As TB is at a 30 year high in the UK due to immigration we advise that you have your child be vaccinated.
We therefore advise adults to read about this illness and evaluate their child’s circumstances. We recommend this vaccination as a priority even before Rubella.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a disease of the lining of the lungs. This lining develops bloody, pustule sores which is difficult to cure (as seen on the arm or leg).
About Tuberculosis (BCG)
Tuberculosis, commonly known as ‘consumption’ in Victorian times, is once again on the increase in the UK, largely due to immigration and the fact that the NHS do not give this vaccine routinely anymore.
Highly infectious, the disease is spread by breathing in infected droplets exhaled when sufferers cough, speak or sneeze. First and foremost, tuberculosis is a disease of the lungs but can spread to other organs and if left untreated is usually fatal.
BCG jabs are no longer given routinely on the NHS (including in schools) except to newborn babies in some areas. Please check your child’s health record book.
PROTECT BEFORE 6 YEARS OLD
Protection is provided by a single injection given any time after birth. Those aged under 6 years old can proceed directly to vaccination, those aged 6 and over will first require a skin prick test (‘Mantoux / Heaf’), as vaccination is not appropriate if (as occasionally happens) natural immunity has been acquired. If there is no reaction to the Mantoux test then you should proceed with the BCG vaccination.
Side Effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways; the following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this vaccine. It does not mean that all people using this vaccine will have side effects.
Common adverse reactions include: Local redness and/or swelling around the site of the injection, mild fever, tiredness, enlarged glands or headache.
A local reaction is normal and a shallow ulcer covered with a crust may form. This usually heals in about 12 weeks (in rare cases depending on your child’s immune system, this may take longer) and may leave a 2-10 mm tiny scar. We therefore recommend vaccinating on the upper thigh.
Manufacturers recommend we follow these guidelines:
Our doctor will discuss your child’s health and any of your concerns and examine you or your child prior to immunisation. A 4 week vaccine-free period prior to immunisation is required.
The patient must not be suffering from a fever or be on antibiotics.
Use with caution in:
• Conditions in which fever should be avoided
• HIV infection
• Injury to the brain
Not to be used in:
• Allergy to diptheria toxoid
• Blood disorders
• Decreased action of the body’s natural defences against disease (impaired response)
• Pregnancy (except for swine flu)
• Previous extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any of the vaccine’s components
• Previous extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the antibiotic Neomycin
• Sudden feverish illness
• Untreated malignant or cancerous disease
Registration and Prescription Fee £50
(For new patients only – excludes Adults)
Fees Payable
BCG against Tuberculosis £75.00
Mantoux Test (for over 6 year old) £45.00
Post Vaccination
This vaccine does not always scar as did the previous BCG vaccine.
After vaccination, if you are worried about a reaction, please contact the Centre for advice Monday–Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm; after hours and at weekends, you should contact your GP or hospital in severe cases (this would be extremely rare). Should you have had cause to contact your GP, we would appreciate a call about the nature and outcome of your visit so we can put it on your patient record card.