TB, BCG vaccine and your baby
- What is BCG vaccine?
BCG vaccine contains a weakened form of the bacteria (germ) that causes TB. Because it is weakened it doesn’t cause TB, but it helps your baby develop protection (immunity) against TB in case he or she ever meets it.
The BCG vaccination is particularly effective in protecting babies and young children against the rarer severe forms of TB such as TB meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain).
What is TB?
TB is a bacterial infection; it usually affects the lungs but can also affect any part of the body. Infection with the TB germ may not develop into TB disease. TB disease develops slowly in the body, and it takes several months for symptoms to appear. Most people who have TB infection will never develop TB disease. In these people, the TB germ remains inactive for a lifetime. In other people (for example, those who have weak
immune systems), the TB germ may become active and cause TB disease. Most people in this country recover fully after treatment, but this takes several months.
What are the symptoms of TB?
TB can affect any part of the body. The symptoms will vary and the signs of disease in a baby may be different from those of an adult. As TB is infectious, it is important that you can recognise the disease in someone else. You should contact a doctor if you, your baby, or any other member of your family, or a friend has any of the following:
- • persistent cough that lasts for more than 2 weeks
- • fever
- • sweating, especially at night
- • unexplained weight loss
- • failure for a baby to put on weight
- • a general and unusual sense of tiredness and being unwell
- • coughing up blood
How is TB caught?
You can only catch TB from someone whose lungs or throat are already infected and who is coughing. When they cough, a spray of tiny droplets is produced that contain the bacteria. If someone breathes in the droplets they too can catch the infection. It takes sharing of an enclosed space with an infected person, for example living in the same house, to be at risk of being infected.
How common is TB?
In the UK in the 1950s, there were over 50,000 new cases of TB every year. Today, this number has dropped to just over 5,000 new cases a year. So, while it is unlikely that you will get infected, everybody should be aware of the symptoms of TB. This is especially important because TB is a widespread disease worldwide. The risk of disease is higher in people who have lived or worked in countries with high rates of TB. Children from these families are also more likely to have close contact with infected members of their community, either in the UK or in their country of origin.
Why is my baby being offered BCG?
In the UK, like many other countries, BCG is offered to babies who are likely to spend time with someone with TB. This includes babies who live in an area with high rates of TB or babies with parents or grandparents from a country with high rates of TB.
How is my baby immunised?
Your baby will be given the BCG vaccination in the upper part of the left arm. The vaccination is given soon after birth, usually by 28 days after birth.
Are there any side effects?
Immediately after the injection, a raised blister will appear. This shows that the injection has been given properly. Within 2 to 6 weeks of the injection a small spot will appear. This may be quite sore for a few days, but it should gradually heal if you don’t cover it. It may leave a small scar. This is normal. Occasionally, your baby may develop a shallow sore where they had the injection. If this is weeping fuid and needs to be covered, use a dry dressing – never a plaster – until a scab forms. This sore may take as long as several months to heal. If you are worried or you think the sore has become infected, see your doctor.
source: nhs