BCG Scar Check Service
What is a BCG Scar Check Service?
Our BCG Scar Check Service involves a nurse taking a vaccination history and physically checking the arm for a scar to see whether that person has received the BCG vaccination.
- This service is suitable for all patients over 18+ years of age.
- If a scar is visible, the nurse will provide a certificate to confirm the presence of the BCG mark.
- If a scar is not visible, they will provide advice on the next steps.
Who may need a BCG Scar Check?
A person may be required to undergo an occupational health BCG scar check if they are a starting a new role in (but not limited to) healthcare, at a prison, when working with specific animals, in a care home, or at a homeless or asylum seeker shelter.
What is a BCG Vaccination?
The BCG vaccination (which stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) protects against tuberculosis, also known as TB.
It is currently not given as part of the routine NHS vaccination schedule but may be given when a child or adult is thought to have an increased risk of contact with TB.
In some circumstance’s adults aged 16 to 35 may receive the vaccine due to the risk of TB through their work.
The BCG vaccination is currently not available at Superdrug Health Clinics.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection which mainly affects the lungs, but it can also cause issues to your abdomen, glands, bones, and nervous system.
It is caused by inhaling tiny droplets, containing the bacteria, from an infected person when they cough or sneeze.
Typical symptoms include:
- A persistent cough
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Night sweats
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Swelling in the neck
How to make a booking or enquiry
Are you an employer who needs to have their team checked through our Corporate Healthcare Services? To find out more about our occupational health services or to set up an account for your company, please fill out our Corporate Health Enquiry form and a team member from the healthcare services team will get back to you.
If you are booking an appointment for yourself, please use our online booking form where you will be able to choose from one of our 80 Superdrug Health Clinics to visit.
For general enquiries and further information, you can get in contact with our corporate healthcare team directly at healthcareservices@uk.aswatson.com