Frequently asked questions

It is no longer part of the routine NHS schedule and is targeted at those at higher risk: at-risk newborns and children, people exposed to TB through work such as some healthcare and laboratory staff, and certain travellers staying longer term in higher-incidence countries. A clinician confirms whether it is appropriate for you at your appointment.

Under UK guidance, a country is treated as higher risk when its estimated TB incidence is 40 or more cases per 100,000 people per year. In broad terms this covers much of sub-Saharan Africa, large parts of South and South-East Asia, parts of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet states, and parts of Central and South America. Because the figures change year to year, the official position is to check the current rate for a specific country rather than rely on a fixed list — the WHO Global TB Programme country profiles and the TravelHealthPro country pages hold the up-to-date data. A clinician will confirm whether your destination or background meets the threshold.

Often, yes. As a general rule a Mantoux skin test is needed from around six years of age before vaccination. Younger children usually only need testing first if they have spent an extended period in a higher-incidence country or had close contact with someone who has active TB. We will tell you when you book so the right appointments are arranged.

It can. A recent live vaccine such as MMR can affect the accuracy of a Mantoux test, so a gap of about four weeks is generally allowed before testing. Please mention any recent vaccinations when booking so your appointments are timed correctly.

Yes. People who may be exposed to TB through their work are a recognised group for BCG and TB screening — for example healthcare workers in contact with patients who have TB, laboratory staff handling samples, and those working closely with higher-risk populations. We provide Mantoux or IGRA testing and BCG vaccination where appropriate, and issue documentation suitable for employer or occupational-health records, showing the date, batch number for a vaccine, or the measured reading for a skin test.

If you were vaccinated in the past, a repeat BCG gives no extra protection, so instead a clinician inspects the site and confirms evidence of a previous vaccination. This is often needed for employment or training when you cannot find written proof. The appointment includes a verification certificate you can give to an employer or occupational-health department. No vaccine is given at a scar check.

No. If you have a scar or a record of a previous BCG, repeating it provides no additional protection. If you need documented evidence for work or training, book a scar check instead, which includes a verification certificate.

For infants the vaccine is normally given only once the newborn blood spot screening result is available, because it is not given to babies who may have a weakened immune system. Please bring the personal child health record (red book) and the newborn screening result to the appointment.

A raised spot often appears, which may turn into a small blister or sore over about two weeks. It then scabs and heals over several weeks or months, usually leaving a small flat scar. Try to leave the area uncovered; if it weeps, a dry dressing is fine but avoid plasters. Speak to a clinician if you think it has become infected.

The main expected effect is a reaction at the injection site, which scabs and heals over several weeks or months leaving a small flat scar. Less commonly there can be a mild fever, a headache, or swollen glands in the armpit on the injected side. Serious reactions are rare; the clinician giving the vaccine is trained to recognise and manage an allergic reaction immediately. Speak to a clinician if the site looks infected or you are concerned.

Because it is a live vaccine it is not suitable for everyone. It is not given during pregnancy, to anyone who has already had it, to anyone who has or has had TB, or to people with a weakened immune system. If you have a high temperature or skin infection the appointment is deferred until you recover. A clinician checks all of this with you.

Only a single dose is given — the BCG is not repeated and there are no booster doses. It is most effective at protecting babies and young children against the most serious forms of TB. Protection is not lifelong or absolute, which is why TB testing is still used for screening and before vaccination in older children and adults.

No. Because the BCG is a live vaccine it is not given during pregnancy. If vaccination is relevant for you, it can usually be arranged at an appropriate time after pregnancy — discuss timing with the clinician.

Both screen for TB exposure. The Mantoux test injects a small amount of fluid under the skin and is read 48–72 hours later, so it needs two visits. The IGRA is a single blood test with results in a few working days. The IGRA is not affected by a previous BCG vaccination, which makes it useful for people vaccinated as children.

A BCG vaccination is normally one appointment. A Mantoux test needs two — the test, then a reading 48 to 72 hours later — and if vaccination follows a negative Mantoux that is a further visit. An IGRA is a single blood appointment. For infants, please bring the personal child health record (red book) and the newborn screening result. Payment and any deposit details are confirmed when you book.

Use the booking button or contact the clinic by phone or email. If a test is needed before vaccination, we will arrange the appointments in the right order. Booking and contact details are managed in Site Settings.