BCG vaccination
BCG (bacille Calmette-Guerin) is a live vaccine that helps protect again some types of tuberculosis (TB).
The vaccine is made from a bacteria called Mycobacterium bovis, which is similar to the TB bacteria. The bacteria in the BCG vaccine have been altered to ensure they do not cause harm. It is very rare for the BCG vaccine to cause disease, however the healthcare team will discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine.
In Queensland, BCG vaccination is recommended for:
- children under the age of 5 years and living in First Nation’s communities
- children under the age of 5 years and travelling to high-risk TB countries* or who have household visitors from a high-risk TB country. The vaccination should be given at least three months before travel
- children under the age of 5 years who are a household contact of a person with leprosy
- healthcare workers working overseas in high TB incidence settings, particularly those with limited infection prevention and control measures, should be assessed for BCG vaccination
- healthcare workers in any setting who are at high risk of exposure to drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Vaccination services
In Queensland, the BCG vaccine is a single-dose and usually given for free by TB services.
To book a vaccination appointment, please contact your local TB service.
Patient fact sheets
English fact sheet (PDF 1893 kB)