Tuberculosis

Preventative Measures

Patients with confirmed or suspected active TB should be educated about the mechanisms of TB transmission. They should learn to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing to minimise the droplet spread of mycobacteria in expelled air. The benefit of a well-balanced diet to maintain or improve nutritional status should also be emphasised.

  • BCG Vaccination

BCG Vaccination reduces the risk of TB, and the effectiveness of protection lasts approximately 9 to 10 years. The BCG Vaccination does not prevent tuberculosis occurring.

BCG Vaccination was undertaken in Victoria from the early 1950s to improve community resistance. The vaccination program was ceased in 1984, as no long-term affect was demonstrated on the Victorian population.

Current recommendations from the Department of Human Services Victoria

  • BCG Vaccination is not recommended for routine use in the Victorian population
  • BCG Vaccination is recommended in the following groups of infants and young children:
    • Aboriginal neonates in remote regions of Victoria
    • Infants born to people suffering Leprosy
    • Children under the age of 5 years who will be travelling to live for more than 4-6 weeks in countries of high tuberculosis prevalence.
    • Infants and young children under 5 years of age who live in a household which includes immigrants or unscreened visitors, who have recently arrived from countries of high tuberculosis prevalence, this includes infants and young children in families that travel frequently to visit or stay in the homes of relatives in countries of high tuberculosis prevalence.

    • BCG Vaccination should be considered on an individual basis, and recommendation from the Department of Human Services TB Program.

    Other risk groups that may be considered for BCG vaccination include:

    • Healthcare workers who have high occupational exposure to tuberculosis
    • Persons over 5 years of age through to young adulthood that may be living or travelling for extended periods in countries of high tuberculosis prevalence.

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