BCG vaccination

A free vaccine is available through the Queensland Tuberculosis Control Program (QTCP) to provide at-risk adults, babies and children with individual protection against TB. Although not 100% effective, the BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin ) vaccine does lessen the chances of developing tuberculosis (TB) and is very effective in preventing serious complications of TB in young children.

Who should be vaccinated?

In Queensland, BCG vaccine is currently recommended for the following at-risk groups:

newborn babies over 2500gm of:

indigenous Australians
refugees from all countries
migrants and immigrants who have lived in Australia for less than ten years who originate from countries where TB incidence is high
a parent who will be travelling or living in areas where TB incidence is high or have frequent visitors from these areas
a parent requesting BCG vaccination for their baby
a parent with leprosy (a very rare disease in Australia);

children and adults in contact with a person with active TB, and who:

have a negative reaction to a Mantoux test done three months after the diagnosis was made
last had contact with the person more than three months ago
have no evidence of infection and the person with TB (source case) is responding to treatment and has been considered non-infectious for at least 3 months
could not take the appropriate prophylactic antibiotic, if they became infected;

health care workers and other occupations considered to be high risk for TB if working in a setting where ongoing screening and use of preventive treatment would not be feasible.

top of page

BCG vaccination program for at-risk babies

The QTCP coordinates a BCG vaccination program for newborns and babies from high-risk groups in Queensland. The vaccination program aims to maintain a low rate of TB meningitis in children less than 5 years of age. The BCG vaccination is only given by specially trained BCG vaccinators and is not usually available through local doctors or councils. Babies eligible for BCG vaccination are identified either through public and private maternity units, child health centres, general practitioners or as self referrals from parents/carers. The baby’s details are registered with the QTBCP, which then forwards clinic details to parents.

The BCG vaccine is not usually given if:

baby is less than 2500 grams in weight or has jaundice (unless advised by paediatrician)
baby is unwell or on antibiotics
baby has had other live vaccine (ie. MMR) in last 28 days
one or both parents are intravenous drug users, HIV positive or originate from high risk countries but have resided in Australia more than ten years with no risk factors
any other circumstances at the discretion of the nurse administering the vaccine.

If a BCG side effect or complication is suspected, notify us immediately to ensure an appropriate assessment is made.

top of page

Patient having BCG vaccination

Queensland Tuberculosis Control Program (QTCP)

BCG vaccination

Who should be vaccinated?

BCG vaccination program for at-risk babies

Related links