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Children's health

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Original poster

BCG vaccine

4 replies

weddingcake · 27/11/2008 12:48

Have just had an appointment through for DS (17m) to have this vaccine. We've been offered it because DH is South African and I'm also keen because we live i London where TB is on the increase but...can anyone tell me about any side effects etc. because I don't know anything about it. Have never had it myself either because there was a shortage of the vaccine the year I was due to have it at school.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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rislip · 27/11/2008 13:00

My DD had this vaccination the day she was born. She was so tiny, I'm not sure if she had any side effects, it was all a blur. But, she does still have a noticeable scar on her arm where she had it. (She's 2.2yrs now).

Original poster

weddingcake · 27/11/2008 13:04

Thanks - am also wondering if I would be at any risk from him having it as I'm currently 18 weeks pregnant and am I right in thinking it's a live vaccine?

OP posts:

abcmum · 27/11/2008 15:07

Hi no side affects other than the slight scar. My DD was born is SA - they have it routinely at birth. My DS1 was given it age 6 after a questionaire at school because we are both SA. DS2 was meant to have it at birth - was in my notes, but so uncommon in Scotland they didn't check and do it, so now have to make an appointment for him to go and have it. I would esp if you ever go to SA on hols - like you say TB on increase here too. I was pregs with DS2 when DS1 had it too - they never mentioned any risk - I would doubt it, but just ask. Good Luck x

Nagapie · 27/11/2008 15:15

Have just taken my 19 mo son and 3+ yo daughter for their BCG jabs ..

No side effects at all - it isn't as 'invasive' as the MMR or other jabs they have had ..

I was told the only effect is that they get a little blister on the arm at the site of the injection ...

I am still a bit about the effectiveness - it only lasts approx 15 years and can't be readministered. The doctor also went to great lengths to tell me that someone infected with TB would have to literally lean over my children and do some serious wet coughing for them to contract TB ... however, when I arrived in the Uk originally (from SA) I spent a good hour in the clinic as I didn't have any up to date TB X-rays ...

Howev

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