Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is used to protect you against TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis).
BCG vaccine is to be given intradermally (into the layer of the skin called dermis).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you or for your child.
Do not use BCG vaccine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- sudden severe illness with fever or skin infection
- weakened immune system
- HIV infection, including infants born to HIV-positive mothers
- active TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- cancer e.g. leukaemia (cancer of the blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow)
as BCG vaccine may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to infants whose mothers have been receiving treatments for immune disorders either during pregnancy or via breastfeeding.
Do not use BCG vaccine with medicines used to treat TB or medicines which may affect your immune system. Please see the section “Can I use this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of lung problem
- at risk for having HIV
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the vaccine.
- Screening test for tuberculosis must be done before treatment to know if this vaccine is suited for you to use.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of flu may also be needed.
BCG vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, tiredness, weakness, and muscle or joint pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- cough, colds, fever, or flu-like symptoms
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use BCG vaccine if you are taking any of these medicines:
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. prednisone
- medicines for cancer e.g. cisplatin, mercaptopurine
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. tacrolimus, ciclosporin
- medicines to treat TB e.g. isoniazid, streptomycin, rifampicin, ethambutol
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with BCG vaccine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not freeze.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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