BCG shortage

[kristyl]

Hi all,

My daughter was born in January and scheduled to have her BCG in April. This was postponed due to the national shortage and still has yet be rescheduled. I called her health visitor today and was told they have no idea when it will be available. I am thinking of trying to get this done privately, but upon investigation today it seems most places no longer have it. Anyone else going through this and have you found anywhere reasonably priced that still has it?

Thanks,

[Saffron]

The delay is due to problems with the manufacture of the BCG vaccine, so it's likely to be affecting private clinics as well. NHS clinics will be prioritising babies under ~1yr (and other vulnerable individuals where appropriate) when the vaccine becomes available.

BCG vaccine in under 1yos is given mainly to prevent the miliary form of TB (dissemination of TB to other organs outside the lungs), which is particularly difficult to treat in babies. However, unless you're in prolonged close contact with persons infected with TB, your risk of catching it is very low. Observing proper hygiene and clinical protocols among infected persons is considered highly effective at preventing the spread of disease. So, although TB may present a hazard in certain areas of London, you are not necessarily at an increased risk, unless you are regularly in contact with high risk populations (for example, working with homeless people, or in a clinic treating TB).

If you think you or child may be in regular contact with infected persons or high risk populations, please speak to your NHS GP. There may be a possibility to import small amounts of the vaccine from overseas. However, you'd have to make a pretty strong case for this, since prevention through hygiene would otherwise be the main step to keeping clear of TB infection.

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/clinical/immunisation/gps-face-continued-bcg-vaccine-shortage/20010447.article#.VgGg-99Viko

[Saffron]

See also... http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,1567563

xx

[kristyl]

Thanks for the info xx

[Jessicas429]

I work in a TB clinic and we still don't have the vaccine despite it being promised this month. Think we are looking at three months realistically.

Although it does occur it's pretty uncommon in babies even in relatively high risk areas. Most cases of young babies catching TB are from parents (or other very close family member) who have the pulmonary form of the disease.

Please ask if any further particular concerns.

[kristyl]

Thanks for the message. I think my daughter is going to be one before it is available, so we will miss this one out.