Quick guide
Which appointment do I need?
Choose the description that fits you or your child to see whether a TB test is needed first, what to book, and what to bring. A clinician always confirms suitability at the appointment.
Tap a profile below. This is general guidance based on current UK recommendations and is not a substitute for clinical advice — if you are unsure, contact us and we will help you choose.
Baby aged 0–12 months
An at-risk infant under one year old.
- Test needed first?
- No skin test needed beforehand.
- What to do
- Book a BCG vaccination. For babies, the vaccine is given once the newborn blood spot screening result is available.
- What to bring
- The personal child health record (red book) and the newborn screening result.
Child aged 1–5 years
A young child at higher risk of TB.
- Test needed first?
- Usually no test first — unless the child has spent 3 months or more in a higher-incidence country, or had close contact with someone with active TB, in which case a Mantoux test is needed first.
- What to do
- Book a BCG vaccination (or a Mantoux test first if the above applies).
- What to bring
- The red book and newborn screening result where relevant.
Child 6+ years or an adult
Anyone aged six or over who has not had the BCG.
- Test needed first?
- A Mantoux (or IGRA) test is required before vaccination.
- What to do
- Book a Mantoux test. If the result is negative, the BCG can be given — the skin test is read 48–72 hours later, so this involves more than one appointment.
- What to bring
- Details of any recent vaccinations (a recent live vaccine such as MMR may affect timing).
Needed for work / occupational health
Healthcare, laboratory or other at-risk workers needing evidence of TB immunity.
- Test needed first?
- Usually a Mantoux or IGRA test; a scar check may be enough if you were vaccinated before.
- What to do
- Book a TB test or a scar check. We provide documentation suitable for employer or occupational-health records.
- What to bring
- Any existing vaccination records or employer requirements.
I think I had the BCG before
You have a scar or a record of a previous BCG.
- Test needed first?
- No test or repeat vaccine — a repeat gives no extra protection.
- What to do
- Book a BCG scar check. A clinician inspects the site and issues a verification certificate.
- What to bring
- Any old vaccination records if you have them.
Not sure / a special situation
Pregnant, previously had TB, a weakened immune system, or simply unsure.
- Test needed first?
- Needs individual clinical advice — the BCG is not suitable for everyone.
- What to do
- Contact us and a clinician will talk it through and advise the right next step.
- What to bring
- Any relevant medical or vaccination history.
Still not sure?
If none of these quite fit, get in touch — we will work out the right appointment with you.
Contact the clinic