Warnings as TB jabs stay on hold

Production problems have left vaccine in short supply

The Department of Health is still uncertain when it will resume its tuberculosis (TB) vaccination programme in schools, the BBC has learned.

Vaccinations were suspended last October after production problems in the factory where the drug BCG is made.

The halt has sounded alarm bells among some health workers as a rising incidence of the disease affects inner city areas.

Yvette Cooper: Hopes to reinstate programme

In the early half of the last century TB was a major killer in Britain, thriving in overcrowded conditions and poor housing.

Its threat was drastically reduced following the introduction of the BCG mass immunisation programme in the 1950s.

The vaccine was given to every child until the programme was suspended because the NHS was unable to secure enough supplies.

Some health workers are already becoming worried.

TB symptoms

Cough with phlegm

Shortness of breath

Fever

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Dr Corry Van Der Bosch of the East London Health Authority said: "I am concerned about the BCG programme. I'd like to see it recommence in the schools as soon as possible.

"I think it is important because we have got people coming to east London from other parts of the world and other parts of the country who haven't had BCG."

Public health minister Yvette Cooper said the government had imposed contingency measures.

"We are concerned about rising TB and we think it is very important to re-instate the schools vaccination programme as soon as possible and catch up with those who have missed their vaccination.

"We are continuing to vaccinate those in high risk groups."

Mass immunisation began in 1950s

But some believe the TB programme is a waste of resources.

In Oxfordshire, children have not been vaccinated for 20 years with no adverse results, leading many to call for a rethink.

Oxfordshire public health consultant Dr Dick Mayon-White said: "The money that is being used for mass vaccination could be better targeted within the tuberculosis field by concentrating on prevention, treatment and those at higher risk than the average population."