BCG (Tuberculosis)
This section provides information on the BCG vaccine which protects against Tuberculosis.
The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is usually offered to babies who are more likely to come into contact with someone with Tuberculosis. The vaccination is usually offered while the baby is still in hospital, but it may be given later. A skin test is used first as not everyone needs the vaccine.
The BCG vaccine protects against infection with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. For more information about Tuberculosis download a copy of the Tuberculosis Factsheet or the Tuberculosis Leaflet.
BCG is a live vaccine and contains a weakened strain of the Mycobacterium bovis BCG bacteria, a member of the same family as m. tuberculosis, which provides protection against tuberculosis, but does not cause this serious disease.
The BCG and your baby booklet contains more information for parents on this vaccine.
If you want more information on vaccines and immunisations, speak to your doctor, health visitor or nurse or call the NHS Helpline, Freephone on 0800 22 44 88.
For copies of any Health Scotland publication please contact your local Health Promotion Department or contact publications@health.scot.nhs.uk. Alternative versions are also available in braille, audio format and community languages.