Contraindications

The vaccine should not be given to:

• those who have already had a BCG vaccination
• those with a past history of TB
• those with an induration of 6mm or more following Mantoux (SSI) tuberculin skin testing
• those who have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a component of the vaccine
• neonates in a household where an active TB case is suspected or confirmed
• people who are immunocompromised by virtue of disease or treatment, e.g.:
  • patients receiving corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive treatment, including general radiation. Inhaled steroids are not a contraindication
  • l those suffering from a malignant condition such as lymphoma, leukaemia, Hodgkin’s disease or other tumour of the reticuloendothelial system.

BCG is contraindicated in symptomatic HIV-positive individuals. In countries such as the UK where the risk of TB is low, it is recommended that BCG is also withheld from all those known to be or suspected to be HIV positive, regardless of clinical status. Where vaccination is indicated, for example infants born to HIV-positive mothers, this can be administered after two appropriately timed negative postnatal PCR tests for HIV infection.

Reference:

1. Immunisation Against Infectious Disease - "The Green Book".Chapter 32 tuberculosis (December 2006)