How long bcg

The vaccination was thought to work for only 10 to 15 years, but a new study shows that the protective effect of the BCG has been underestimated. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine say they have found that it protects half of those given it at the age of 12 or 13 for at least 20 years and then the effects wane. The LSHTM researchers say that knowing about the longer protective effect of the vaccine will reassure those who had it in the UK when they were children and be helpful in countries with a high TB rate.

It strengthens the argument for using the BCG to protect children in heavily-affected regions such as parts of central and western Africa, east Asia and the Pacific, where the take-up is low. TB is a major, and preventable, cause of death and disease which mainly affects the lungs. Tuberculosis TB. Section Navigation.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. Children BCG vaccination should only be considered for children who have a negative TB test and who are continually exposed, and cannot be separated from adults who Are untreated or ineffectively treated for TB disease, and the child cannot be given long-term primary preventive treatment for TB infection; or Have TB disease caused by strains resistant to isoniazid and rifampin.

Health Care Workers BCG vaccination of health care workers should be considered on an individual basis in settings in which A high percentage of TB patients are infected with TB strains resistant to both isoniazid and rifampin; There is ongoing transmission of drug-resistant TB strains to health care workers and subsequent infection is likely; or Comprehensive TB infection-control precautions have been implemented, but have not been successful.

For children under the age of five, the TB skin test is preferred over TB blood tests. Learn about Testing and Diagnosis. The vaccine is given to your child as an injection in their upper arm. When is the best time for my child to have the BCG vaccine?

It is best for your child to have the vaccine within a few days of being born and up to six months old, but they can be vaccinated any time up to five years of age. If your child is older than six months, he or she will be tested to see if they have TB. Depending on the results of this test, your child may be offered the BCG vaccine. How do I get my child vaccinated? What happens after the vaccination? In 1 to 6 weeks, a small red blister may appear where the injection was given.

After 6 to 12 weeks, the blister may turn into a small, weeping sore. If this happens, cover the site with gauze to allow air to get in. Do not use sticking plasters. The sore may take up to three months to heal, and may leave a small scar. This is normal. How effective is the vaccine? How long does the vaccine protection last?

For more information Visit the Ministry of Health website.