Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection that most people in the UK have not thought much about. But cases are rising, and the West Midlands saw one of the largest increases in England in 2024. This guide covers what TB is, how the BCG vaccine works and who should consider getting one.
What is TB?
Tuberculosis or TB, is a bacterial infection caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, spine, kidneys and lymph nodes.
TB spreads through the air. When a person with active TB in their lungs coughs, sneezes or speaks, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria. You can catch TB by breathing in those droplets over a prolonged period of close contact.
Key facts about TB:
- TB is both preventable and curable when caught early
- Not all TB is contagious. Latent TB means the bacteria are in the body but inactive.
- Active TB in the lungs is the infectious form.
- Symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, night sweats, unexplained weight loss and high temperatures.
- TB is treatable with a long course of antibiotics but can be serious if left untreated
TB is on the rise in England. Data published by the UKHSA shows TB notifications in England reached 5,490 in 2024, a rise of 13.6% on the previous year. The West Midlands recorded the second highest regional rate after London at 11.5 per 100,000.
Who is at Risk of TB?
Most people who breathe in TB bacteria don’t get sick. Their immune system keeps the bacteria dormant, and they may never know they were exposed. This is called latent TB.
In fact, the WHO estimates that around one quarter of the global population has latent TB. Most of those people will never develop the active disease. A simple skin or blood test can detect it, and preventive antibiotics are often offered to stop it from progressing.
The people who face the greatest risk of latent TB becoming active are those with a weakened immune system. This group includes:
- People living with HIV
- People with diabetes
- Anyone currently undergoing cancer treatment
- People taking certain medications used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
If you fall into any of these groups and think you may have been exposed to TB, it is worth getting tested sooner rather than later. Our TB testing service in Birmingham can check for both latent and active TB, and our team will talk you through the results and next steps.
What is the BCG vaccine?
The BCG vaccine stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. It is the vaccine used to protect against TB. It has been used worldwide for over 100 years and remains the only licensed TB vaccine available.
The BCG vaccine works by introducing a weakened form of a related bacterium to trigger an immune response. This trains the immune system to recognise and fight TB bacteria if it encounters them in the future.
It is particularly effective at protecting against the most severe forms of TB in young children, including TB meningitis, which can be life-threatening.
Important to know: The BCG vaccine does not protect against all forms of TB, and its effectiveness against pulmonary (lung) TB in adults varies. It is most effective when given at birth or in early childhood and in people who have not previously been exposed to TB.
Who needs the TB vaccine?
The TB vaccine is no longer part of the routine childhood vaccination programme in the UK. It was withdrawn in 2005 when TB rates had fallen significantly. However, it is still recommended for specific groups who face a higher risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers, individuals with compromised immune systems, and those who have close contact with TB patients.
| Group | Reason |
|---|---|
| Newborns in areas with higher TB rates | Areas including parts of the West Midlands and London have elevated local TB rates |
| Children with a parent or grandparent born in a high TB incidence country | Higher risk due to family links to countries where TB is more common |
| People travelling to high TB incidence countries | Particularly for stays of more than a month or close contact with local populations |
| Healthcare workers and laboratory staff | Occupational exposure to TB patients or specimens |
| People in close contact with someone who has TB | Direct exposure significantly increases risk |
| People born in or moving to the UK from high incidence countries | Risk carried and may also be more likely to have latent TB |
If you are unsure about your situation, our private GP service can assess your risk and advise you on the right steps.
The TB vaccine for children
For children, the BCG vaccine is most effective when given as early as possible. Newborns and babies in higher-risk groups are typically vaccinated within the first few weeks of life.
The BCG vaccine given in early childhood offers strong protection against the most severe forms of TB, including TB meningitis. This is particularly important for young children whose immune systems are still developing.
Children aged under six can receive the BCG vaccine without a prior skin or blood test.
Parents in the West Midlands should be aware that local TB rates are among the highest in England. If your child falls into any of the higher-risk groups, it is worth speaking to us about getting them vaccinated. Contact us today for more information and guidance.
The TB vaccine for adults
Adults can still receive the BCG vaccine, but a test must be carried out first. This is to confirm that the individual has not already been infected with TB and does not have an active infection.
The tb vaccine for adults is beneficial fort:
- Healthcare workers who have not previously been vaccinated and work in high-risk settings
- People planning extended travel to countries where TB is common, particularly South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Eastern Europe
- Adults who have recently moved to the UK from high TB incidence countries
- Prison workers and others in close contact with vulnerable or high-risk populations
If you are travelling and need the TB vaccine as part of a wider vaccination plan, visit our travel vaccinations page for more information on the vaccines we offer before travel.
Workplace exposure is also a real consideration. If your role involves potential TB exposure, our occupational health vaccines service can help.
TB Testing Before the Vaccine
For anyone aged six or over, a TB test is required before the vaccine is given. This is a safety step. We need to confirm you have not already been exposed to TB before vaccinating, as the vaccine is not suitable if you have an active or latent TB infection.
At Oakley, we use the QuantiFERON blood test. This is a modern, accurate blood test that measures your immune system’s response to TB-specific proteins. It is often preferred over the older Mantoux skin test, as it requires only one appointment.
What your results mean:
- A negative result means you are clear to receive the BCG vaccine without delay.
- A positive result indicates latent TB. This does not mean you are ill, but you will not be vaccinated. We will talk you through the appropriate next steps.
Results are typically available within a few days. Our team will contact you as soon as they are ready. Find out more about our TB testing service in Birmingham.
Private TB Vaccine and Testing at The Oakley Medical Practice.
At The Oakley Medical Practice, we offer the full pathway in one place. That means TB testing and the BCG vaccine, all available privately at our private GP practice in Sutton Coldfield, in Birmingham, at a time that suits you.
There are no long waits and no referrals needed. You book directly with our team, and we take care of the rest.
This is particularly important if you:
- Have a newborn or young child in a higher-risk group
- Are planning travel to a country where TB is common
- Work in healthcare or another high-exposure environment
- Have recently moved to the UK from a high TB incidence country
- Have a weakened immune system and are concerned about past exposure
Our experienced GPs and nurses will assess your situation, carry out any testing required, and advise you on the right next steps. If the vaccine is appropriate for you, we can arrange it quickly.
To book your TB test or BCG vaccine, visit our TB vaccine page, call us on 0121 308 8876, or contact us online.
