Tuberculosis (TB) vaccination, given as the BCG vaccine, protects some people at higher risk of exposure to TB, including certain long-stay travellers. It is not part of routine travel vaccination for most short-term adult travellers; a pre-travel consultation will confirm whether it’s relevant to your trip.
What Is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, that most often affects the lungs. It spreads through prolonged close contact with someone who has active infectious TB, usually via coughing. TB can be treated effectively with antibiotics, but delayed diagnosis can allow it to become more serious.
Who Should Consider Vaccination?
The BCG vaccine is mainly recommended for people under 16 who are moving to, or planning a stay of three months or more in, a country with a high rate of TB, particularly where there will be close contact with the local population. It is not generally recommended for most adult travellers, since BCG is most effective when given in infancy or childhood and its protection reduces with age. A skin or blood test to check for previous TB exposure may be required beforehand.
Vaccination Schedule
BCG is given as a single injection and is not followed by booster doses. Anyone aged over six is usually offered a tuberculin skin test (or blood test) before vaccination to rule out prior infection. Your clinician will confirm whether BCG vaccination, or an alternative approach such as screening after your return, is appropriate for your circumstances.
Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fatigue and a high temperature. Anyone who develops these symptoms after travelling to a country with high TB rates should seek medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the TB (BCG) vaccine for travel?
Most short-term adult travellers do not need it. It is mainly considered for under-16s relocating for three months or more to a high-TB-incidence country with close local contact.
Can adults have the BCG vaccine?
BCG can be given to some adults at higher occupational or personal risk, but it is most effective in infancy and childhood, so it is not routinely offered to older adult travellers.
Is a skin test required before vaccination?
Anyone over six is usually tested first to check they have not already been exposed to TB, since BCG is not given to those with a positive result.
How many doses are needed?
Just one. BCG is given as a single dose and booster doses are not recommended.
What should I do if I develop symptoms after returning from travel?
See a GP promptly if you develop a persistent cough, night sweats, fatigue or unexplained weight loss after travel, and mention where you have been.
Sources and Further Reading
Clinically reviewed by Abrar Gill, MPharm, Berkeley Travel Clinic. Last reviewed: 9 August 2026. This information is general guidance and does not replace individual clinical assessment; book a travel health consultation for personalised advice.
