BCG Vaccine
Expert Tuberculosis Protection: Private BCG Vaccination & Mantoux Testing
Protect your family, secure your career, and travel with confidence.
Hampstead Heath Pharmacy offers a specialist-led private TB (tuberculosis) vaccination and testing service. Whether you are a parent seeking protection for your infant, a healthcare worker requiring occupational clearance, or a traveller visiting high-risk regions, our clinic provides rigorous care in line with UK regulations and guidelines. Key features of our service include:
- Licensed Vaccine: We exclusively use the BCG Vaccine AJV (Danish strain 1331) – currently the only BCG vaccine licensed in the UK and used by the NHS – and maintain strict cold-chain handling to ensure maximum efficacy.
- Experienced Specialist: Vaccination is administered by our expert pharmacist (Mahyar Saremi), who has 10+ years of experience in the precise intradermal technique required for BCG.
- Integrated Testing: We offer on-site TB screening. Mantoux skin test results are read in 48–72 hours, and IGRA (TB blood test) results are returned in about 3 working days for fast clearance.
IMPORTANT: New Safety Requirement for Infants (SCID)
For all babies born on or after 1 September 2021, national safety protocols mandate that the BCG vaccine cannot be administered until the result of the Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) screening is confirmed negative.
- This screening is part of the routine newborn blood spot (heel prick) test performed at 5 days old.
- You must bring the Red Book AND the result letter confirming the SCID outcome to your appointment.
To book an appointment for BCG vaccination, Mantoux Test or BCG Scar Verification at our clinic, please select a “Non-Travel Vaccination Appointment”;
To book an appointment for a TB Blood Test at our clinic, please book a “Blood Testing Appointment” here:
A message from the Mayor of London’s TB Ambassador, Emma Thompson, and her son Tindy on World TB Day
BCG Vaccination: Essential TB Protection in London
London currently has one of the highest tuberculosis (TB) rates in Western Europe.
London has one of the highest rates of tuberculosis (TB) in Western Europe, with cases on the rise in the UK. In 2024, notifications in England increased by about 13.6% from the previous year, primarily in urban areas. London’s TB rate stands at approximately 20.6 per 100,000 people, far exceeding other regions (UKHSA, October 2025). This rise emphasises the need for proactive protection, as early vaccination can provide essential safety and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
What is the BCG Vaccine?
The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been used globally for over 100 years. It has a well-established safety profile and remains the most effective method for preventing severe forms of tuberculosis.
According to national guidance, BCG vaccination is recommended for both children and adults who are thought to be at increased risk of TB exposure.
Rising Rates: Why Protection Matters Now
Recent surveillance data highlights the importance of being proactive:
- Rising Incidence: TB notifications in England have risen sharply year on year, jumping by 13.6% in 2024 and remaining high in 2025.
- Urban Concentration: TB incidence is not evenly distributed; it is concentrated in major cities, with London recording a rate of 20.6 per 100,000 (up from previous years).
When Should Vaccination Be Given?
- For Newborns: Per World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance, the BCG vaccine should be administered at the earliest opportunity once the newborn’s heel-prick (SCID) test results are negative. Delaying vaccination leaves children vulnerable before they are potentially exposed to infection.
- For Travellers: Vaccination is often considered for some of the travellers visiting countries where the annual incidence of TB is ≥40 cases per 100,000 population.
Protect your family today. Book your appointment to secure peace of mind.
Complete Tuberculosis Care Pathways
We offer a comprehensive suite of TB services designed to meet diverse clinical and administrative needs.
1. The BCG Vaccination (AJV Strain)
The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine remains the most effective method for preventing severe forms of tuberculosis, such as TB meningitis, particularly in children.
- The Vaccine: We utilise the BCG Vaccine AJV (Danish Strain 1331). As a live attenuated vaccine, its efficacy depends on precise storage (+2˚C to +8˚C) and handling. We reconstitute every dose immediately prior to administration to ensure maximum potency.
- Eligibility: Suitable for infants (with SCID clearance), children, and adults at risk of exposure. While evidence is strongest for those under 35, vaccination may be considered for older adults in high-risk occupational or exposure settings, on a case-by-case basis.
- No Hidden Fees: Our £105 fee covers the consultation, assessment, and vaccine administration.
2. The Mantoux Test (Tuberculin Skin Test)
The Mantoux test is the primary screening tool used to determine if an individual is already sensitised to the TB bacteria.
- Who Needs a Mantoux Test? To ensure patient safety, a Mantoux test is mandatory prior to vaccination for the following groups:
- Individuals Aged 6 Years or Older: All adults and children in this age bracket must be tested.
- Children Under 6 with Travel History: Infants and children under six years of age who have a history of residence or a prolonged stay (more than three months) in a country with an annual TB incidence of 40/100,000 or greater.
- Close Contacts: Anyone who has had close contact with an individual known to have active TB.
- Family History: Individuals with a family history of TB within the last five years.
- The Process:
- Visit 1: A tiny amount of PPD tuberculin is injected into the forearm skin.
- Visit 2: You must return 48 to 72 hours later for the pharmacist to read the result.
While we recommend returning to the clinic 48 to 72 hours after your test for a reading, it is not mandatory. If you are unable to return in person, we can read the test virtually; you simply need to send us three clear pictures of your forearm.
Note: Virtual readings are an approximate assessment only. If results are borderline or unclear from photographs, an in-person reading will be required. - Result: If negative (<5mm induration), you may proceed to vaccination. If positive, vaccination is not needed/safe, and we will refer you for further assessment.
3. TB Blood Test (IGRA / Quantiferon)
The Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is a sophisticated blood test that measures the immune system’s response to TB bacteria.
- Superior Accuracy: Unlike the Mantoux test, the IGRA is not affected by previous BCG vaccination. It is the gold standard for individuals who have had a BCG in the past but need to confirm they do not have latent TB.
- Convenience: Requires only a single visit for a blood draw. Results are typically available within 3 working days.
For more information, please see our blood testing service page.
4. BCG Scar Verification
Many occupational health checks require proof of BCG vaccination. If you have lost your records but have a visible scar, our pharmacists can perform a formal verification.
- Service: Clinical inspection of the injection site and issuance of a Certificate of Verification.
- Ideal For: Teachers, healthcare students, and agency workers needing rapid compliance evidence.
| Patient Profile | Requirement | Action Plan |
| Infant (0 – 12 months) | No Test Needed | Book BCG Vaccination. Must bring SCID results. |
| Child (1 – 5 years) | Dependent | Book BCG Vaccination directly, unless the child has lived in a high-TB-prevalence country for >3 months (then book Mantoux). Must bring SCID results. |
| Child (6+ years) & Adults | Mandatory Test | Book Mantoux Test. Vaccination can only be done 48-72 hours after a negative result. |
| Previous BCG History | Contraindicated | Do not book a vaccine. If you have a scar or record of previous BCG vaccination, repeat vaccination is not recommended, as there is no evidence that it provides additional protection. Book a Scar Check for evidence. |
Employment & Travel Clearance
Occupational Health (NHS & Private Sector)
We support medical students, agency nurses, doctors, and care home staff who require evidence of TB immunity for employment clearance.
- Compliance: Our certificates detail the date of administration, batch number (for vaccines), or millimetric induration reading (for Mantoux), satisfying standard Occupational Health audit requirements.
- Speed: We understand placement deadlines. Our streamlined service ensures you get your paperwork faster than standard NHS routes.
Professional Care, Transparent Costs
We believe in pricing integrity. The fees below are all-inclusive—no hidden “consultation fees” or “nurse access charges.”
| Service | Price | Includes |
| BCG Vaccination | £105 | Consultation, AJV Vaccine, and Aftercare advice. |
| Mantoux Test | £85 | Administration AND the follow-up reading appointment (48-72hrs). |
| TB Blood Test (IGRA) | £144 | Phlebotomy (blood draw) and laboratory analysis with report. |
| BCG Scar Check | £40 | Clinical inspection and Certificate of Verification. |
| Replacement Certificate | £15 | Re-issue of lost documentation. |
Note: If a Mantoux test is required before vaccination, it is charged as a separate procedure (£85 + £105) due to the multiple appointments involved and the test cost.
Before You Book: The “4-Week Rule”
To ensure your appointment proceeds smoothly, please check the following:
- MMR Vaccines: Have you or the patient received an MMR vaccine in the last 4 weeks?
Rule: A Mantoux test cannot be performed within 4 weeks of an MMR vaccine, as it may cause a false negative result. Please schedule your appointment after this window.
Expert Answers
Q1: Why is the BCG vaccine given in the left arm?
A1: By convention, the BCG is administered in the upper left arm to make it easier for healthcare professionals to locate the scar for verification later in life.
Q2: What should I expect after the BCG vaccination?
A2: A small red spot usually appears within 2–6 weeks, which may develop into a blister or pustule. This is normal and indicates the vaccine is working. It heals to leave a small scar. Do not squeeze or apply plasters to the site (unless swimming).
Q3: Why can’t I get a BCG vaccine on the NHS?
A3: The NHS stopped universal BCG vaccination in 2005. It is now only offered to those considered high risk by local health authorities. Many families may not qualify or face long waiting lists. Our private service offers immediate access.
Q4: Is the Mantoux test painful?
A4: It involves an intradermal injection — a small scratch under the top layer of skin. It creates a temporary bleb that disappears quickly. Most patients describe it as a brief sting.
Q5: How much does a private BCG vaccination cost in London?
A5: At Hampstead Heath Pharmacy, a private BCG vaccination costs £105 all-inclusive — covering the consultation, the AJV vaccine, and aftercare advice. No hidden fees. If a Mantoux test is required beforehand, it is an additional £85.
Q6: Do I need a Mantoux test before BCG vaccination?
A6: Yes, for all individuals aged 6 years or older. Children under 6 only require a Mantoux test if they have lived in or visited a high-TB-prevalence country for more than 3 months, or have had close contact with someone with active TB.
Q7: What is the difference between a Mantoux test and an IGRA blood test?
A7: Both screen for TB exposure but work differently. The Mantoux test involves injecting tuberculin under the skin and reading the result 48–72 hours later (two visits required). The IGRA (QuantiFERON) is a blood test needing only a single visit, with results in about 3 working days. Crucially, the IGRA is not affected by previous BCG vaccination, making it ideal for anyone who has had BCG before.
Last Updated: 18/02/2016
To book an appointment for BCG vaccination, Mantoux Test or BCG Scar Verification at our clinic, please select a “Non-Travel Vaccination Appointment”;
To book an appointment for a TB Blood Test at our clinic, please book a “Blood Testing Appointment”.
Home visits are available for an additional fee (min £100). Please email info@hhpharmacy.co.uk for a quote.
The deposit paid at the time of
booking an appointment will be deducted from the total service cost when you
visit us, provided you adhere to our cancellation policy.