Tuberculosis (TB) disease can be treated with antibiotics. Prevention can involve vaccination, screening, contact tracing and education.
Treating tuberculosis
TB disease is treated with antibiotics.
To be effective, these medications must be taken daily for 6 or more months. Stopping medications early or without medical advice is risky as it can allow TB which is still alive to become drug resistant.
You can read more about TB, testing for TB, and treating TB in the factsheets below.
Vaccination for tuberculosis
TB is preventable and curable. Vaccination is one preventative measure.
Vaccination is not routinely recommended in countries like Australia where transmission is low. In Australia, the vaccine is suggested for:
- Children under 5 years of age living in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly in northern Australia
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander newborns living in northern Australia
- Children under 5 years of age travelling internationally to areas where TB is prevalent
Vaccination with the BCG vaccine is effective in reducing the incidence of TB complications and death in children under 5 years of age.
Vaccination for children before travel
If you are seeking the vaccination because you are intending to travel to countries where TB is common, the vaccine is best administered 4 to 6 weeks before travel.
The vaccine requires a specialist immuniser trained in intradermal technique for safe administration. We recommend that you find an immuniser early as clinics can have wait periods.
Specialist BCG clinics can be found at the Royal Children's Hospital, the Monash Health immunisation service, and specialty travel clinics.
The Melbourne Vaccination Education Centre is an excellent resource on vaccination and providers of BCG.
Links & documents
Active tuberculosis (TB) is a notifiable disease in Victoria.
All cases must be reported to the Department of Health by the patient’s treating doctor or the testing laboratory within 5 days of diagnosis.