BCG: tuberculosis vaccine
Verified 26 October 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
What about the TB vaccine requirement (BCG)? It is now suspended. This vaccine is therefore no longer required. However, getting vaccinated remains highly recommended for some children residing in France regardless of their nationality. It can be done in a Maternal and Child Protection Center (PMI) for example without an advance payment. Here are some of the highlights to know.
The BCG vaccination requirement no longer exists for children.
However, vaccination is highly recommended at birth for some children.
One order of priority according to 3 levels has been established by the health authorities.
FYI
Health and social workers are no longer required to be vaccinated against TB.
1st level
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General case
Vaccination is intended for children under 5 years of age (including those from Île-de-France) with an identified risk factor for tuberculosis:
- Child born in a country with a high TB burden (Examples: Africa, Asia except Japan, many countries in the Middle and Near East, Central and South America, Central and Eastern Europe)
- A child with at least one parent from one of these countries
- Child to stay at least one month in a row in one of these countries
- Children with a recent case of tuberculosis (less than 5 years) in their environment
- Child living in disadvantaged social conditions (insecure, overcrowded housing...)
- Children in any situation considered by the physician to be at risk of exposure to tuberculosis
Example :
Child living in unfavorable housing conditions (precarious or overcrowded housing) or unfavorable or precarious socio-economic conditions (particularly among beneficiaries of universal disease protection, the complementary health solidarity...), a child living with adults from a country with a high TB burden.
Guyana and Mayotte
Vaccination is a priority for all newborns before discharge from the maternity ward.
2nd level
Vaccination is intended for children aged under 5 years whose only risk factor is Île-de-France.
3rd Level
Vaccination is intended for children 5 to 15 years of age revolus with an identified risk factor for tuberculosis and after tuberculin testing.
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General case
Vaccination is recommended from the age of 1 month, ideally during the 2nde month.
The vaccine may also be offered up to 15 years, in children at high risk and those who have not yet been vaccinated.
FYI
For children who have a close relative with recent tuberculosis (less than 5 years), vaccination is recommended before discharge from the maternity ward.
Guyana and Mayotte
Children born in Mayotte or Guyana should receive this vaccine as a priority and before discharge from the maternity ward.
BCG may be done by doing the following:
- In a Maternal and Child Protection Center (PMI)
- In a free vaccination center
- At a center for TB control (CLAT)
- In maternity.
Prescription, dispensing and vaccination are carried out on site.
Your city hall can also give you the address of the organizations closest to you.
Yes, this vaccine is covered by the Health Insurance.
Please note
This vaccine is not currently available in pharmacies.
If you notice an adverse effect on your health, following vaccination, you can report it on the portal "Health reporting":
Combating tuberculosis and leprosy
Mandatory vaccination suspended
Suspension of vaccination requirements for children and adolescents in community care and for certain professionals
Online service
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Ministry of Health