To make an appointment, please visit our BCG online booking page.
To translate this page, select your preferred language from the top-right dropdown menu.
Here are some FAQ’s about BCG vaccines and our BCG service at FITS:
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is an infection cause by a bacteria (Mycobacterium Tuberculosis). Worldwide, tuberculosis causes more deaths than any other infectious disease. It is spread between people by breathing in the bacteria through the air from someone who is infected. Children and infants are at high risk of becoming unwell following exposure to tuberculosis.
To read more about tuberculosis and BCG please see: http://www.mvec.vic.edu.au/immunisation-references/bcg-vaccine/
Does my child need a BCG vaccine?
According to Australian Government Department of Health recommendations, newborns and children under 5 years of age who will be travelling to or living in countries or areas with a high rate of tuberculosis should receive a BCG vaccine.
BCG protects children from the more severe forms of tuberculosis. BCG is a routine immunisation in many countries at birth (e.g. India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia).
When is the best time to have BCG before travel?
BCG vaccination should ideally occur at least 1 month before departure. This will allow the body to develop an immune response to provide protection prior to travel. If you are thinking of travelling overseas in the future, you can consider giving BCG to your child soon after birth due to extended waitlists.
What if I am leaving for travel prior to one month?
Please complete the booking form and contact the FITS team to discuss potential options. Where possible, appointments are offered in some circumstances to families who are leaving for overseas imminently.
Will my child need a mantoux test (also known as Tuberculin-Skin-Test or TST) prior to a BCG?
A mantoux test may be recommended in older children, or if they have had previous travel overseas, prior to giving a BCG. This is to check for past exposure to tuberculosis. Discussion about various options with FITS travel medicine specialists is recommended.
What is involved with a mantoux test?
A mantoux test is a two-step test. After administration of the mantoux, the child will need to return for a reading 2 – 4 days after administration. If negative, a BCG can be safely administered.
If your child’s Mantoux test is positive, our FITS team will have a discussion about next steps. This is likely to include further investigation and consultation to evaluate whether your child has been exposed to tuberculosis.
Do I need to get a booster dose of BCG for my child each time I travel?
There is currently no recommendation for booster doses of BCG.
What about other travel vaccines?
Your travel health specialist will generally recommend additional vaccines to BCG. This will depend on the age and destination of travel. The recommended vaccines may include Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Influenza vaccines. These vaccines are available at the FITS clinic. FITS is also an accredited NIP and Yellow Fever Vaccine provider.
Can the BCG be given with other vaccines?
Yes – the BCG can be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Note: The BCG must be given at the same time, or 4 weeks apart from live vaccines, including the 12 and 18-month old National Immunisation Program scheduled vaccines (measles and chickenpox), or other live vaccines such as yellow fever vaccine.
If your child is due for 12 or 18-month vaccines, FITS travel medicine specialists NOT administering them prior to your appointment. The FITS team is able to provide these vaccines at the same time as your BCG appointment at no additional charge.
How is the vaccine administered?
The vaccine is administered into the left arm intradermally, or under the skin layer. This is different to most other routine vaccines that your child may have received previously.
What are the side effects of the BCG vaccination?
Overall, the BCG is a safe vaccine with relatively few side effects. It is uncommon to have low-grade fever.
The main “side effect” that families often notice is a small scar, which may take up to 3-4 months after the immunisation to fully form and heal. This usually does not cause discomfort to the child, although there may be some swelling at the injection site in the first few weeks after the immunisation.
Your FITS travel medicine specialist will go through all potential side effects with you at your immunisation appointment.
What should I expect following the BCG vaccination?
Following the vaccination, during the first week to 6 weeks, a small blister may appear where the injection was given. After the first 6 weeks to 12 weeks, the blister may turn into a small weeping sore – this is an expected reaction and should not cause pain or affect movement of the arm. Scar formation may take up to 3-4 months in total from time of injection.
How do I care for the vaccination site?
It is important to keep the site dry and clean. If a sore develops, cover the site with gauze. Do not use sticking plasters, ointments or oils directly on the site.
Should I give my child paracetamol before or after their BCG vaccination?
Paracetamol is not recommended before or at the time of your child’s BCG vaccination. It is also not recommended after the vaccination unless your child develops a low grade fever.