Tuberculosis Vaccine
Tuberculosis is one of the vaccines we offer at Chappells Pharmacy. As a local and established travel clinic in Crowborough, you can trust we will deliver exceptional service.
Tuberculosis Vaccine at Chappells Pharmacy
Protect yourself and your family against Tuberculosis (TB), a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also damage other parts of the body. Chappells Pharmacy offers professional BCG vaccination services to ensure your peace of mind, whether you’re travelling to high-risk areas or have specific risk factors.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Although TB primarily affects the lungs, it can also affect other parts of the body including the brain, spine, and kidneys. The disease is spread through:
- Airborne droplets when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks
- Prolonged close contact with someone who has active TB disease
- In rare cases, consuming unpasteurised dairy products from infected animals
TB typically develops slowly, with symptoms including persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. If left untreated, TB can be fatal.
While TB rates in the UK are relatively low, the disease remains common in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia, Africa, South and Central America, and Eastern Europe. Globally, TB is one of the top 10 causes of death and the leading cause from a single infectious agent.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine for Tuberculosis is recommended for:
- Travellers planning extended stays (more than 3 months) in countries with high TB rates
- Healthcare workers travelling to work in high-risk settings
- Children and adults moving to live in countries with high TB rates
- Close contacts of those with active TB
- Laboratory staff working with TB samples
- Individuals who have tested negative for TB but are at higher risk of exposure
- People born in countries with high TB rates who have recently arrived in the UK
- Aid workers and volunteers in high-risk settings
- Individuals with occupational exposure risks
- Anyone who may be exposed to TB and wishes to ensure protection against the disease
Why Choose Chappells Pharmacy?
Trusted Experts
Our pharmacists are fully trained and experienced in vaccine administration, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care throughout your vaccination journey.
Affordable Prices
We believe in offering top-quality healthcare without breaking the bank. Our vaccination services are priced to be accessible for everyone.
Comprehensive Care
We provide full consultations before vaccination, answering all your questions and ensuring the vaccine is appropriate for your specific circumstances.
Vaccine Administration and Schedule
The BCG vaccine for Tuberculosis is administered as:
Before vaccination, you may need a TB skin test (Mantoux test) or an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test to check if you have already been exposed to TB. This is because the vaccine is not recommended for those who already have TB immunity.
The BCG vaccine causes a localised reaction, resulting in a small, permanent scar at the injection site. This is normal and indicates that the vaccine has been properly administered.
Side Effects and Safety
The BCG vaccine is considered safe and effective, with most side effects being mild and localised. Common reactions may include:
- A raised, red reaction at the injection site
- Development of a small, pus-filled blister 2-6 weeks after vaccination
- Formation of a small scar at the injection site
- Swelling of lymph nodes in the armpit
- Mild fever
Severe side effects are extremely rare. Our pharmacists are available to answer any questions or concerns about vaccine safety.
How to Book Your Appointment
Whether you’re planning travel to high-risk areas or have other reasons for seeking TB protection, we can help:
Booking your BCG vaccination at Chappells Pharmacy is easy:
- Visit us in-store.
- Contact us by phone or email.
- Arrange your preferred appointment time online.
Protect yourself today—your health and wellbeing matter to us at Chappells Pharmacy.
FAQs About Tuberculosis Vaccine
There are many questions about the Tuberculosis vaccine, we have selected frequently asked questions about this service. If you do not see your answer, please contact us.
