BCG - against tuberculosisTuberculosis is now very rare in this country. In babies and younger children it often goes unnoticed or appears as a fever of unknown cause. It may cause a cough in older children and adults, which lasts for many weeks, along with a fever, sweating in the night and weight loss. The illness can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain or bones. Protection is given in the form of the BCG jab (BCG stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, after the scientists who devoloped the vaccine). A skin test will show if you need a BCG jab. Teenagers are usually given it after they have been tested for immunity to tuberculosis. Some health authorities routinely offer the BCG immunisation for new babies, particularly if you or your family come from areas where TB is more common. Ask your doctor or health visitor what the policy is in your are – they should also be able to give you written information to take away and read at home, such as the Health Education Authority leaflet ‘BCG and Tuberculosis’.
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