When is bcg given to babies

Immunisation and vaccinations. BCG vaccine birth—6 months. View online Download PDF. Order free copies:. Who should have the BCG vaccine? What is TB? TB is an infectious disease.

It can cause tiredness, coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, joints and kidneys. Serious TB disease can cause meningitis. TB spreads from person to person through coughing, spitting or sneezing into the air. There are about cases of TB in New Zealand each year. How can I protect my child from TB?

The vaccine is given to your child as an injection in their upper arm. When is the best time for my child to have the BCG vaccine? It is best for your child to have the vaccine within a few days of being born and up to six months old, but they can be vaccinated any time up to five years of age. The vaccine doesn't cause TB, but helps your baby develop protection immunity against the disease.

The BCG vaccination is particularly effective in protecting babies and young children against the more rare severe forms of TB such as TB meningitis swelling of the lining of the brain. TB is a serious, but curable, infectious disease that can lead to TB meningitis in babies. Most people in Northern Ireland recover fully after treatment, however, TB meningitis can be fatal or cause severe disability.

When they cough, tiny droplets are produced that contain the bacteria. If you breathe in the droplets you too can catch the infection. 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. Immediately after the injection, a raised blister will appear. This shows that the injection has been given properly.

Within two to six weeks of the injection a small spot will appear. It may leave a small scar. Occasionally, your baby may develop a shallow sore where they had the injection. If this is oozing fluid and needs to be covered, use a dry dressing — never a plaster — until a scab forms.

This sore may take as long as several months to heal. The vaccine is only offered to people at increased risk of tuberculosis infection. You or your child will be assessed to check you're eligible for vaccination. We will not reply to your feedback. If the skin test is negative, your child will be able to receive the BCG vaccine.

Children, particularly those under five years of age, who are travelling to countries with a high rate of TB infections. Some children should not get the BCG vaccine because the vaccine could cause complications. This includes those who:. Reactions to vaccines also called vaccine side effects sometimes occur.

The ulcer is usually less than a centimetre in diameter, and may last from a few weeks to a few months before healing to a small, flat scar. There are some rare side effects associated with the BCG vaccine. If any of the following occur, see your GP:. I've heard there is a shortage of BCG vaccine — will I be able to get the vaccine for my child?

In the past few years there has been a worldwide shortage of BCG vaccine. Your GP can refer your child to the clinic, but be sure to get the referral well before your intended date of travel. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers. This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals.

The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts.