The vaccines > BCG > FAQs

• How common is TB in the UK?
• Tuberculosis notifications and deaths in England and Wales 1984 to 2000
• Who gets TB?
• What happens if you are infected with TB?
• What is the difference between 'infection' and 'disease'?
• Why are TB cases no longer falling?
• What is the upper age limit for giving BCG?
• Who should not be immunised with BCG?
• Why is a skin test done before BCG is given?
• What is the maximum time that can be left between the skin test and the BCG immunisation?
• How is the immunisation given?
• What happens after the immunisation?
• How long does BCG vaccine protect for?
• Will a BCG vaccination always leave a scar?
• If someone has a scar from a previous BCG, why can their skin test sometimes be negative? Why are they not given another BCG?
• What adverse reactions may be seen after the immunisation?
• Why is the BCG vaccine not used in the USA?

Tuberculosis notifications and deaths in England and Wales 1984 to 2000