Travel vaccine

Tuberculosis Vaccine (BCG)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs and spreads through the air. The BCG vaccine is recommended for some people — particularly unvaccinated children — who will spend longer periods in countries where TB is common.

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Key facts

Who it's for

Mainly unvaccinated under-16s with longer stays in high-incidence countries

Vaccination course

A single dose, given into the skin of the upper arm

When it's considered

Living or staying for 3 months or more in a high-TB country, or close contact

Vaccine type

Live vaccine — a pre-vaccination check is sometimes needed

Not usually for

Short holidays or most adults who travel briefly

How it spreads

Airborne droplets from someone with active lung TB

What is Tuberculosis Vaccine (BCG)?

Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria spread through the air when someone with active TB of the lungs coughs or sneezes. It usually affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body. Not everyone who is infected becomes ill — the infection can stay inactive for years — but active TB causes a persistent cough, weight loss and other symptoms and needs a long course of treatment.

The BCG vaccine offers useful protection against the most serious forms of TB, particularly in young children. It isn't needed for most travellers, but is recommended for certain people — especially unvaccinated children — who will live or stay for longer periods in countries where TB is common.

Risk areas

TB is more common in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South and South-East Asia, parts of South America, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, and some areas of the western Pacific. Risk to travellers relates mainly to longer, closer contact with local communities in these higher-incidence areas rather than short stays.

Risk for travellers

The risk to short-stay tourists is low. It increases with longer stays (generally three months or more) living or working closely with local people in high-incidence countries — for example healthcare, aid or volunteer work, or staying with family. BCG is recommended mainly for unvaccinated children in these situations; for adults it is considered only after an individual risk assessment.

What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis Vaccine (BCG)?

A persistent cough, often lasting more than three weeks
Coughing up phlegm, sometimes with blood
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Night sweats and fever
Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell
Swollen glands (if TB affects areas other than the lungs)

How does the Tuberculosis Vaccine (BCG) work?

The BCG vaccine is a live vaccine given as a single injection into the skin of the upper arm, leaving a small mark. It is recommended mainly for unvaccinated children under 16 who will live or stay for three months or more in a country where TB is common, or who will be in close contact with the local population. For some people a skin test is needed first to check they haven't already been exposed. We'll assess whether BCG is appropriate at your appointment.

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Who should have the BCG vaccine?

BCG is not needed for most travellers. It is recommended for specific situations, mainly involving children:

Unvaccinated children under 16 living or staying for 3 months or more in a high-TB country
Children who will be in close, prolonged contact with local communities
Some healthcare or aid workers with close patient contact in high-incidence areas (after assessment)
It is generally not recommended for short holidays or most adults travelling briefly

The vaccination and pre-checks

BCG is a single dose given into the skin of the upper arm; it normally leaves a small scar. For people over a certain age, or who may have been exposed before, a skin test (and sometimes other checks) is needed first to confirm BCG is suitable.

Because it's a live vaccine and availability can vary, it's best to plan well ahead. We'll carry out a risk assessment and advise whether BCG is appropriate for you or your child.

Possible side effects

BCG typically causes a local reaction that heals over several weeks:

A small sore or blister at the injection site that slowly heals, leaving a scar
Mild swelling of a nearby gland in some cases
Soreness around the injection site
More significant reactions are uncommon

Beyond the vaccine: reducing TB risk

BCG doesn't prevent every case, so general precautions also help during longer stays:

Avoid prolonged close contact with anyone known to have untreated active TB
Ensure good ventilation in shared indoor spaces where possible
Seek medical advice for a cough lasting more than three weeks, weight loss or night sweats
Consider a check-up after long stays in high-incidence areas if you have symptoms

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