stopped BCG for children who are not at risk?

Question

I have had a ltter saying that as my daughter is not considered to be at risk she will not get it when older
TB is on the increase and so is drug resistant TB
In the future they will come into contact with someone infected with TB , I have as I am a nurse
will we have an epidemic in the future
Is it because so many people who are at risk cost , and those not considered at risk must take their chance
could I pay to have it done privatley when the time comes ?

Answer 1

BCG is one of the most widely used vaccines in the world, with an unparalleled safety record. BCG immunisation causes pain and scarring at the site of injection. The main adverse effect are keloids or large, ugly scars. The insertion of deltoid is most frequently used because the local complication rate is smallest when that site is used. If given subcutaneously, BCG causes a local skin infection that may spread to the regional lymph nodes causing a suppurative lymphadenitis.
If BCG is accidentally given to an immunocompromised patient (e.g., an infant with SCID), it can cause disseminated or life-threatening infection. The documented incidence of this happening is less than 1 per million immunisations given.
Several new vaccines to prevent TB infection are being developed. The first recombinant tuberculosis vaccine entered clinical trials in the United States in 2004, sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). A 2005 study showed that a DNA TB vaccine given with conventional chemotherapy can accelerate the disappearance of bacteria as well as protect against re-infection in mice; it may take four to five years to be available in humans. A very promising TB vaccine, MVA85A, is currently in phase II trials in South Africa by a group led by Oxford University, and is based on a genetically modified vaccinia virus. Because of the limitations of current vaccines, researchers and policymakers are promoting new economic models of vaccine development including prizes, tax incentives and advance market commitments.

Answer 2

The BCG vaccine is not generally recommended for use in the United States because of the low risk of infection with tuberculosis bacteria, the variable effectiveness of the vaccine against adult pulmonary tuberculosis, and the vaccine's potential interference with TB skin test reactivity. Do you live in India??? It was used starting in 1921. Thinking back, I used to live in Turkey and worked in the american military daycare. Someone was exposed and we all had to get tested with the injection under the skin. The turks who worked there had to get chest x rays because after they were vaccinated, they would always test positive for tb. Well Cirkdone, with that unintelligent statement, I assume you aren't in the States?? The ONLY time anyone is tested is when they've had a possible exposure by someone who actually has tb, meaning extremely rarely...

Answer 3

This is extraordinary. I've just been to http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068684/ to read more about it. Even though the page says TB is difficult to treat, and prevention is much better, Routine BCG for all children was stopped in 2005. Wouldn't you think that the reason TB is low in many areas is because everyone has had their BCG? and when it's stopped they will no longer be protected.

Seems it's mostly immigrants who get BCG or people in health related jobs. Draw your own conclusions. Sorry don't know about private, but I'm sure you will be able to have it done - maybe abroad? A star for this one.

Answer 4

There are many strains of the tuberculosis, and the vaccine only protects against one of them, as it will change from person to person. Doctors will choose to give the vaccine to people most at risk

a) if you’ve had a case of TB within the family
b) if you live in what is known as a high risk area

I’m sure you could pay to have it done privately, but as I say there are many strains meaning the TB vaccine is not always effective!

Answer 5

It is a real pity that money has once again got in the way of common sense. Giving the BCG vaccine to all teenagers is the best way to prevent TB from once again getting a hold in the UK.

Answer 6

As a nurse I thought you would know that it can be done privately?
Your premise is correct, I think due to this we will see an increase in the future.
It's cost saving in the short term, and you can be sure that politicians and those who can afford it will take the private option, just as Blair had his kid inoculated in France for MMR using 3 separate jabs while telling the public that the multiple MMR is totally safe!
When I asked a doctor friend about MMR and it's benefits, he told me it's hard enough to get junkies and alcoholics to bring their kids to get inoculated once, never mind on 3 separate occasions, hence the MMR triple jab!

Answer 7

As long as children are not playing with Badgers, should be fine