Protect your child from Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious, infectious illness that takes a long time to cure. It’s spread by coughing from those who already have the disease.
Children under five years can be protected from the most harmful forms of TB by getting a free vaccination. This is called the BCG vaccine.
The vaccine does not prevent your child from being infected, but it will reduce the risk of them getting very ill if it’s given to them at the right age.
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BCG vaccination clinics are running at this time
The BCG vaccine is available to children under five years old who:
- will be living in a house or family/whānau where a person either has TB, or has a history of TB
- have a parent or carer who, within the last 5 years, lived for more than 6 months in a country with a high TB rate
- before they turn 5, will live for 3 months or longer in a country with a high TB rate
If your child is five or older they are no longer eligible for the vaccine.
Children aged between 6 months and 5 years may need to have a tuberculin skin test first to detect whether they have already been infected with TB. This test is called the Mantoux test.
If your child has to have this test it will be carried out 72 hours before your child gets the vaccine. You’ll receive more information on this test when your child is booked in to get vaccinated.
To learn more about the BCG vaccine download our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF). These are also available in the following languages:
- Te Reo
- Chinese (Traditional) (繁體中文)
- Chinese (Simplified) (简体中文)
- Korean (한국어)
- Hindi (हिन्दी)
- Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ)
If you need help call the BCG team on 0800 367 224, Monday to Friday, between 8.00am and 4.30pm.
Information for parents and carers
- ARPHS: Information sheet on BCG vaccination in Auckland (PDF)
- Health Ed: Translated information on BCG (including English) (PDF)
Information for health professionals
- Health Ed: Information for Health professionals
- ARPHS: BCG vaccination in Auckland (PDF)
- ARPHS: Neonatal BCG Assessment Form for midwives (PDF)
Additional resources
- Ministry of Health: Information on TB
- Ministry of Health: List of countries with a high incidence of TB cases
- Immunisation Advisory Centre: BCG Vaccine SSI
Last updated 29.3.2022