Tuberculosis (BCG, inc Mantoux Test)

BCG, or Bacille Calmette-Guerin, is a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) disease. Many people have been BCG vaccinated, however, it is no longer recommended for everyone. This is because of a low-risk for further infection.

The BCG is therefore recommended only for adults and children under the age of 35, who have direct and unavoidable contact with those who have untreated, ineffectively treated or treatment-resistant types of TB. The BCG vaccine should not be given to people who are immunosuppressed (e.g. HIV) or during pregnancy.

To determine whether a BCG vaccine is needed, you must first have a Mantoux test. This to see whether you are already infected or have an active form of the disease. It works by injecting a live version of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) into the skin to test your sensitivity. The stronger the reaction, the greater the likelihood that a person has an active form of the disease and therefore should not have the vaccine as it will be ineffective.
A strong reaction to the Mantoux test may require referral to for specialist TB treatment.

At our private clinic in Birmingham, one of our friendly GPs will offer you all the advice you need and further answer the questions you might have in regards to the vaccine.