Mainly for babies and children at higher risk of TB. Not usually given over 16 unless exposure risk is high, and rarely over 35. A live vaccine, so not given in pregnancy.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026UK Green Book ch. 32Live vaccine
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
BCG protects against the most serious forms of tuberculosis in young children. In the UK it is targeted at those most likely to be exposed to TB rather than given to everyone. Older children and adults need a skin or blood test first to check they have not already been exposed.
Check what applies to you
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Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
Privately✓Available
From birth; no skin test needed under 6 years
On the NHSFree for some
Free for babies with a parent or grandparent born in a country with high TB rates, or living in an area of the UK with high TB rates. Ideally given by 28 days old.
2 to 17 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Given after a tuberculin skin test (from age 6) shows no previous TB exposure
On the NHSFree for some
Free for under-16s at increased risk: recent arrivals from high-TB countries, close contacts of a TB case, or those going to live in a high-TB country for 3 months or more.
18 to 49 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Only for people at high occupational or travel risk, after a negative skin or blood test. Evidence of benefit over 35 is limited
On the NHSFree for some
Free via occupational health for unvaccinated healthcare and laboratory workers, vets and prison staff at high risk. Otherwise not offered.
50 to 64 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Rarely given: very little evidence of benefit over 35, but it may still be offered to unvaccinated workers at high occupational risk
On the NHSFree for some
Only via occupational health for high-risk roles.
65 and over
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Rarely given: very little evidence of benefit over 35, but it may still be offered to unvaccinated workers at high occupational risk
On the NHSFree for some
Only via occupational health for high-risk roles.
Recommended for
Newborns and infants with a family link to, or living in, a high-TB area
Children under 16 who are close contacts of someone with TB or moving to a high-TB country
Unvaccinated healthcare, laboratory and veterinary workers at high risk of exposure, mainly under 35
Who should not have it
Most people over 16, and especially over 35, unless their job or travel carries a high risk of TB exposure
A weakened immune system, including HIV
A positive tuberculin skin test or blood test, or a previous BCG vaccination
Pregnancy (postponed until after the birth)
A generalised septic skin condition, or if unwell with a fever
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
🛡️
Protects against
Tuberculosis (TB), a serious bacterial infection mainly affecting the lungs.
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When to have it
One-off — before exposure risk
⏳
How long it lasts
At least 15 years
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Doses
Single dose
🩹
Side effects
A blister or sore at the injection site that heals over weeks and leaves a small scar; occasionally swollen glands.
Common questions
BCG vaccine (tuberculosis): your questions answered
Can adults have the BCG vaccine?
Only in limited circumstances. It is not usually recommended over 16 unless the risk of TB exposure is high, for example healthcare or laboratory work or a long stay in a high-TB country. There is very little evidence of benefit over 35, so it is rarely given at that age, although the Green Book allows it for unvaccinated workers at high risk. Adults need a negative skin or blood test first.
Why is BCG not given to every baby in the UK?
The UK stopped universal BCG in 2005 because TB rates are low in most of the country. The vaccine is now targeted at babies and children most likely to be exposed, where it prevents the most serious forms of the disease.
Does my child need a skin test before BCG?
Children under 6 do not usually need a test unless they have lived in a high-TB country. From age 6, a tuberculin (Mantoux) skin test or a blood test is done first to check for previous exposure.
What are the side effects of BCG?
A small raised blister forms at the injection site, then a sore that may weep for a few weeks before healing into a small scar. This is normal. Keep it clean and dry and do not cover it with a plaster.
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GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.