title: An audit of BCG immunisation and tuberculin skin testing in Scotland. Scottish BCG Study Group.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  BCG vaccination of all tuberculin-negative schoolchildren has been undertaken in the United Kingdom since 1954. In light of the ten-fold decline in tuberculosis, mass vaccination may no longer be justified. Since most tuberculosis cases now occur among identifiable high-risk groups, restriction of vaccination to these groups may be more appropriate. Before such changes can be recommended, further information is required on current practice within Scotland.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine current BCG vaccination practice within Scotland, in order to inform planning of future immunisation services.
  
  
  METHODS
  Postal questionnaire survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  The questionnaires were posted to the Consultant in Public Health Medicine responsible for Communicable Disease Control in each of the fifteen Scottish Health Boards.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Completed questionnaires were returned by all 15 Health Boards. Marked variations were reported in the vaccination of both schoolchildren and high-risk groups. Six (40%) Health Boards immunised all tuberculin-negative children, whereas the remainder excluded those with evidence of previous BCG vaccination. All Health Boards immunised contacts of tuberculosis cases, 11 offered it to healthcare workers and 11 to immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. However, only 7 offered it to the offspring of high-risk ethnic groups, 5 to students and 4 to animal workers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are marked variations in current BCG vaccination practice. Greater efforts are required to ensure that high-risk groups receive vaccination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Greater Glasgow Health Board, Glasgow.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pell
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Capewell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001500:BCG Vaccine; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014374:Tuberculin Test / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D001500:BCG Vaccine