BCG

Question 1

Which groups of patients does the “Greenbook” advise that we give the BCG to?

Answer 1

• All infants (0-12 months) living in areas of UK where there is an increased incidence of TB.
• All infants with a parent or grandparent who is born in a country with a high annual indice.
• Healthcare workers
• Prison staff
• Staff of care homes for the elderly
• Work with homeless people
• Contract Tracing - Unvaccinated & Tuberculin negative contacts.
• Unvaccinated & Tuberculin negative immigrants from high incidence countries.

Question 2

What does the BCG vaccine contain?

Answer 2

A live attenuated Mycobacterium bovis

Question 3

What are some contraindications to the BCG vaccine?

Answer 3

• Previous BCG vaccination
• A past history of tuberculosis
• HIV
• Pregnancy
• Positive tuberculin test (Heaf or Mantoux)

Question 4

How is the BCG vaccination administered?

Answer 4

• Tuberculin skin test first (Mantoux or Heaf) (except if < 6 years old & No TB Contact)
• Given intradermally in lateral aspect of left arm.

Question 5

A mother comes in for a BCG test and asks if it can be given along with other live vaccines?

Answer 5

Yes it can.

Question 6

A child received the BCG 2 weeks ago and it is now time for it to have its MMR? What advice should you give the parent?

Answer 6

The BCG can be given alongside other live vaccines but cannot be administered within 4 weeks.

Therefore tell the parent to bring the child back in 2 weeks.

Question 7

What sort of vaccine is the BCG?

Answer 7

A live vaccine