WA Tuberculosis Control Program Anita Clayton Centre 1/311 Wellington Street Perth WA 6000 (+61) 08 9222 8500 ACCadmin@health.wa.gov.

au

BCG Vaccination
What is BCG?
BCG is a vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). It is named after the two people who discovered the vaccine (Bacillus Calmett-Guerin). It uses a live TB germ that has been modified in the laboratory so that it will not cause disease in a healthy person.

How is the BCG vaccine given?

It is injected between the layers of skin on the upper arm near the shoulder, by a Registered Nurse who has been trained in providing the vaccination.

Is the vaccine safe?

In most circumstances the vaccine is safe. As with any vaccination, BCG can result in severe adverse reactions and you should discuss this with the nurse before vaccination.

Are there any side effects?

The most common side effects are Pain, redness and swelling around the injection site Swelling of the glands in the armpit and/ or neck These usually get better without treatment Rare side effects: An abscess at the site of injection Bone infection Severe allergic reactions Serious infection that spread to other parts of the body

How effective is the vaccine?

BCG vaccination reduces the risk of TB in people who are not already infected with TB. The vaccine does not always prevent TB disease. It is more effective in young children, providing 50 to 80 % protection against meningeal and miliary TB. BCG vaccination is not recommended for adults because the benefit is much less. Protection against TB will only start 6-8 weeks after the vaccination has been given and lasts for about 10 years. Revaccination is not recommended.

Who could be vaccinated?

BCG is not offered routinely to Australian residents however it can be indicated for the following people: Children under the age of 6 years who will be travelling to live in countries of high TB prevalence for longer than 3 months. Newborn children of migrants who have arrived from countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis in the last 5 years. Newborn children born to parents with Hansens Disease (leprosy) or a family history of Hansens Disease. The decision to give BCG outside of the above indications should be discussed with the Medical Director or Clinical Nurse Manager of the Tuberculosis Control Program.

Who should not be vaccinated?

Children who have TB disease now, or have had TB disease in the past. Children who have had a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) reaction. Children who have a serious illness or take medications that can affect their immune system.

When should BCG vaccination be delayed?

If another live vaccine has been given within 4 weeks (measles, mumps, rubella, yellow fever, rota virus or varicella) If there is a fever (>38C) If there is evidence of a widespread skin problem such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis.

What to expect after BCG Vaccination

Immediately after the injection a white lump is seen for a few minutes. A red spot / small swelling will appear in 3 4 weeks time. This will develop into a sore, often with pus. A scab forms over the sore, which may take several weeks to heal. A scar usually remains at the site of the injection.

What to do when the sore appears

Leave the sore alone and ensure it remains exposed to the air. This helps it to heal quickly. Do not scratch it or disturb the scab. If it is moist, dab gently with surgical spirit as often as required. If there is enough discharge to soil the clothing, place a piece of clean, dry gauze over the sore and secure it with a narrow strip of adhesive plaster on either side, making sure that air can reach the sore Clean with warm water.

What not to do

Do not scratch, squeeze or disturb the sore or scab. Do not apply ointment. Do not apply antiseptics. Do not apply sticking plaster or a tight sealed dressing as these can delay healing.

What to do if there is an adverse event

Adverse events are uncommon: localised swelling and pain usually resolves without treatment. More serious events may require medical attention. Contact the Anita Clayton Centre on 9222 8500. Call healthdirect Australia for health advice 24 hours a day on 1800 022 222 For emergency or life-threatening conditions, visit an Emergency Department or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

Reporting an adverse event

Online: www.wavss.health.wa.gov.au (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) Telephone: (08) 9321 1312 (8.30am-4.30pm) Complete a WAVSS adverse reaction reporting form (PDF 220KB) and return by: o Fax: (08) 9426 9408 (24 hours, 7 days a week) o Post: Central Immunisation Clinic, PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre, WA 6849

Created June 2011