Tuberculosis (TB)
BCG vaccination
The BCG vaccination can prevent some forms of Tuberculosis (TB) in young children, however the Ministry of Health recommends targeting the vaccination to those at highest risk. TB is now rare in European and Māori populations in New Zealand. Although TB is generally regarded as highly infectious, in fact people are very unlikely to catch it if they are not living with someone who has TB. Side effects of the vaccination may include swollen glands or abscesses.
BCG should not be given to babies:
- Suffering from cancer or other immune compromising conditions including HIV
- On corticosteroids or other immune suppressive treatment
- With a positive mantoux test
- With generalised septic skin conditions
- With a high fever
NOTE: Babies born to HIV positive mothers should NOT have a BCG until the baby has been shown to be HIV negative. Neonates at risk should be identified antenatally by lead maternity caregivers, maternity hospitals and general practices. However, immunisation is desirable before infants leave hospital. Babies over twelve weeks of age will require a Mantoux test before vaccination. Children who have missed immunisation at birth should be immunized at any time up to the age of five years. If this does not happen, immunisation should be arranged through ARPHS by phoning 0800 FOR BCG or 0800 367224 during office hours.
Contacts
The Auckland Regional Public Health Service now has an 0800 number direct to the BCG service – 0800 FOR BCG or 0800 367224.
This number is up and running and can be used immediately. Should demand be high, calls may be diverted to voice mail, but please leave a message and someone from the BCG service will get back to you as soon as possible.
