Not all children require the BCG vaccination, but it is recommended for the following populations:
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island neonates living in regions of high TB incidence
• Children aged less than five years who will live in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities for
a period of three months or more. In situations where the intended length of stay is less than three
months but the risk of exposure to TB may be high, the need for BCG vaccination should be
assessed in consultation with an experienced TB clinician.
• Neonates born to parents with leprosy or a family history of leprosy
• Children aged less than five years who will be travelling to high TB incidence countries* for a period
of three months or more. In situations where the intended length of stay is less than three months
but the risk of exposure to TB may be high, the need for BCG vaccination should be assessed in
consultation with an experienced TB clinician.