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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 highincidence of tuberculosis in the last 5 years.

Newborn children born to parents with Hansens Disease (leprosy) or a familyhistory of Hansens Disease.

The decision to give BCG outside of the above indications should be discussed withthe 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 theirimmune 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.

W

hat 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.

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hat 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 gauzeover 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.

W

hat 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 delayhealing.

W hat to do if there is an adverse eventAdverse events are uncommon: localised swelling and pain usually resolves withouttreatment. 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 orcall 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 aWAVSS 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

https://wavss.health.wa.gov.au/https://wavss.health.wa.gov.au/https://wavss.health.wa.gov.au/Content/Documents/AdverseReactionReportForm.pdfhttps://wavss.health.wa.gov.au/Content/Documents/AdverseReactionReportForm.pdfhttps://wavss.health.wa.gov.au/Content/Documents/AdverseReactionReportForm.pdfhttps://wavss.health.wa.gov.au/