Tuberculosis (TB) vaccine
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that can affect the lungs, brain, or spread to other organs. Although the disease is rare in Sweden, there is a risk for children with close contact to infected individuals or when staying in countries where TB is common.At VaccinDirekt, children aged 7–17 who belong to a risk group can receive the BCG vaccine after medical assessment.
Book an appointment easily online or visit us for drop-in vaccination.
Get Vaccinated with Us
1.
Book an appointment or drop in
Book an appointment through our website or visit us without one. You can find us at clinics across the country and on the Tick Buses during the season.
2.
Fill in your health declaration
Before your visit, you need to complete a health declaration – either digitally or on site. If you are vaccinating a child, don’t forget the consent form.
3.
Log in to My Pages
We keep a record of your vaccinations. Keep track of your vaccination history and receive reminders by logging in to My Pages or downloading our app!
How the vaccination works
At VaccinDirekt, we use the BCG vaccine (live attenuated vaccine) to prevent severe forms of tuberculosis in children at particular risk. Vaccination is given after medical assessment and is always preceded by testing if required.
Who should get vaccinated against tuberculosis?
- Children aged 7–17 who belong to a risk group, for example those with origins in countries where tuberculosis is common, or if a close family member has tuberculosis.
- Children who will stay for more than three months in a country where tuberculosis is widespread.
The vaccine is not recommended for
- Adults: VaccinDirekt does not offer tuberculosis vaccination for adults, as it is not recommended by the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the effectiveness decreases with age.
- People with a documented allergy to any component of the vaccine.
- Those with an active tuberculosis infection or another serious infection should wait until after medical assessment.
When should you get vaccinated?
Vaccination should be planned well in advance of any travel or stay in a high-risk country, or if the child belongs to a risk group. Since protection develops over 6–8 weeks after vaccination, it should be administered at least that long before potential exposure.Vaccination schedule
- The vaccine is given as a single dose – no repeated doses are needed for children.
- Vaccination is normally given at around 6 weeks of age for infants at risk, but at VaccinDirekt it is available for children aged 7–17 after medical assessment.
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Why it’s important to get vaccinated against tuberculosis
Tuberculosis can be serious and often difficult to treat if not detected early. Through BCG vaccination in children at risk, the most severe forms – such as tuberculosis of the brain and spread to multiple organs – can be prevented.
Severe forms in young children
Children are at high risk of developing serious forms of the disease, such as meningitis or miliary tuberculosis, if infected. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of these dangerous conditions.Transmission through close contact and stays in high-risk countries
Since tuberculosis spreads through the airways, only limited contact is needed for transmission. Vulnerable children, families, or those staying for extended periods in areas with high prevalence are especially at risk.One dose is enough – but it must be given on time
Since the vaccine is given only once and builds immunity early, it’s important that it’s administered when the child is in a risk group – delaying it may leave the child unprotected.Limited treatment for certain tuberculosis strains
Tuberculosis treatment can be lengthy and sometimes requires broad-spectrum antibiotics. Preventive vaccination is simpler and can protect children from severe illness and complications.Why choose VaccinDirekt?
VaccinDirekt is one of Sweden’s leading vaccination providers. We are available across the country with both clinics and mobile “Tick Buses.” With us, you’ll meet specialists in vaccinations and travel health who ensure you get the right protection. Welcome for drop-in visits or booked appointments!
- Always trained healthcare professionals
- Specialists in children and needle anxiety
- All vaccines are documented, and we send dose reminders
