Prevention
Vaccination with BCG is routinely given at birth in most developing countries to minimise the risk of severe illness. In Australia, among other at risk groups, BCG is recommended for children less than five years of age who are travelling to reside in countries of high tuberculosis prevalence.
BCG may be considered for specific groups of travellers including missionaries and expatriate aid workers, particularly where they may be exposed to multiple drug resistant TB infection.
Adult travellers at high risk of exposure to TB whilst overseas can be screened using a baseline skin or blood test. These tests are used to establish a person’s immune status before departure. The test may be repeated on return for comparison, particularly if there was possible exposure to TB.