Neonatal BCG: a time for change

Thillagavathie Pillay1,2, Gergely Toldi3, Abid Hussain4

  • 1Neonatology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK tilly.pillay@uhl-tr.nhs.uk.

Insights

The UK's Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination for babies is now recommended at 28 days after birth. This change may impact vaccination uptake due to potential barriers.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The UK's Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination program is typically risk-based and administered shortly after birth.
  • Recent guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has altered the recommended timing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the revised timing of the BCG vaccination in the UK.
  • To discuss the rationale behind this change.
  • To identify potential barriers to BCG uptake associated with the new schedule.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
  • Analysis of the implications of the revised vaccination schedule.

Main Results:

  • The BCG vaccination is now recommended at 28 days after birth or soon thereafter.
  • The rationale for this change is based on updated immunisation advice.

Conclusions:

  • The revised timing of the BCG vaccination program presents potential challenges for uptake.
  • Understanding and addressing these barriers is crucial for maintaining vaccination coverage.