How Much Does a Private BCG Vaccination Cost?
The cost of a BCG vaccination at The Blackheath Clinic is £130.
This includes the clinical assessment and administration of the vaccine during the same appointment, provided vaccination is clinically appropriate.
Some older children and adults may require a Mantoux test or other TB screening before receiving BCG. Any additional testing will be discussed with you and charged separately.
BCG Vaccination at The Blackheath Clinic
The BCG vaccine helps protect against tuberculosis, commonly known as TB. It is particularly important for babies and young children at increased risk because it can help protect against serious forms of TB, including TB meningitis.
BCG is not routinely recommended for everyone in the UK. It is mainly offered to people with an increased risk of exposure because of their family background, country of birth or residence, close contact with TB, or certain occupational risks.
Every patient is assessed by an experienced doctor before vaccination.
The appointment includes:
-
A clinical assessment -
Review of relevant medical and vaccination history
-
Administration of the BCG vaccine, where suitable
-
Advice about expected reactions and aftercare
-
Vaccination documentation
-
Completion of your baby’s Red Book, where applicable
BCG Vaccination for Babies and Children
An eligible baby or child who did not receive BCG after birth may still be able to have it later.
Before vaccination, the doctor will check:
-
The child’s age and general health
-
Whether BCG has previously been given
-
Family, residence and TB-exposure history
-
Previous vaccination and TB test results
-
Whether there is any condition or treatment affecting the immune system
Please bring your child’s Red Book and any available vaccination records.
Who Should Consider BCG Vaccination?
BCG vaccination may be recommended if:
-
A baby or child has a parent or grandparent born in a country with a higher incidence of TB
-
The patient was born in or has lived in a country where TB is more common
-
The patient will be living in a country with a higher risk of TB
-
The patient has been in close or regular contact with someone who has or previously had TB
-
A baby or child missed a BCG vaccination that would normally have been recommended
-
An adult has a recognised occupational risk of TB exposure
BCG is not routinely recommended for every adult. Suitability depends on age, medical history, previous vaccination and potential TB exposure.
If you are unsure whether you or your child needs BCG, our doctor can assess this during the appointment.
How Is the BCG Vaccine Given?
BCG is a single-dose live vaccine given as a small injection into the skin, usually over the upper part of the left arm.
A small raised area normally appears immediately after the injection. Over the following weeks, a small blister or sore may develop before forming a scab and gradually healing. It will often leave a small, flat scar.
Most people only require one BCG vaccination. Booster doses are not normally recommended.
Our Patient Review
I was understandably very worried and was able to book an appointment within just a couple of hours. From the moment we met him, Dr Mac Sweeney was kind, reassuring, professional and genuinely caring. He took the time to listen, explained everything clearly, and made us feel that my husband was in very safe hands.
What impressed me most was that his care did not stop when we left the consultation. He followed up on several occasions to check on my husband's progress, prescribed more medicine and even went out of his way to provide a letter for our insurance company, which was incredibly helpful.
In a world where good service can sometimes feel hard to find, Dr Mac Sweeney demonstrated a level of compassion and personal attention that was truly exceptional. The fee was also very reasonable, especially given the time, care and support we received.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr Mac Sweeney to anyone needing medical assistance and will always be grateful for the kindness he showed to both of us. If I lived in London I would most certainly subscribe to his membership scheme so he could deal with all my family's medical needs.
The clinic has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with a fresh, calming scent that immediately creates a welcoming environment. Everything was explained clearly and professionally, making the whole experience completely stress-free.
I particularly appreciated the expert advice and felt comfortable throughout. I would highly recommend The Blackheath Clinic to anyone looking for a professional, patient-focused service.
As I entered the tastefully curated space, I encountered one of the rarest of things: a polite, smiling and genuinely welcoming receptionist. In fact, she was so warm and courteous that I briefly wondered whether I had wandered into an upmarket spa by mistake.
Then I met Dr Sweeney. He was charming, courteous, friendly and thoroughly professional, with the kind of bedside manner that reminds you what general practice can be at its best: attentive, humane and quietly confident. He came across as someone who takes real pride in his work and genuinely cares for his patients.
The whole experience felt like stepping back into a time when patients were warmly received and doctors truly doctored. As I was leaving, Dr Sweeney mentioned that he was off on a home visit. A GP doing a home visit in 2026? I was so astonished I nearly needed examining all over again.
Join this practice quickly before word gets out and the list fills up. This is care delivered by people who genuinely care, and that feels all too rare these days
I had lip filler and RRS Long Lasting skin boosters, and she took the time to explain everything clearly, answer all my questions, and ensure I felt confident about the treatments. Her attention to detail and gentle approach really stood out, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Dr Micha Plugaru truly combines expertise with a warm, personal touch. I would highly recommend her to anyone considering aesthetic treatments — you’re in the safest and most caring hands.
BCG Side Effects and Aftercare
The usual reaction is a small blister or sore at the injection site. It may ooze slightly, form a scab and take several weeks or occasionally a few months to heal.
You should:
-
Leave the area uncovered whenever possible
-
Avoid squeezing, scratching or picking the site
-
Avoid applying antiseptic creams or ointments
-
Use a dry, non-adhesive dressing if the site is oozing
-
Avoid putting a sticking plaster directly over the area
Washing and bathing can continue as normal.
Other possible side effects include a mild temperature, headache or swollen glands in the armpit on the vaccinated side. More serious reactions, such as a large abscess or severe allergic reaction, are rare.
Contact the clinic or seek medical advice if the reaction is unusually large or persistent, appears infected, or the patient becomes significantly unwell.
Who Should Not Have BCG?
BCG is a live vaccine and is not suitable for everyone. It should not normally be given to:
-
Anyone who has already received BCG
-
Anyone who currently has or previously had TB
-
Anyone with a positive Mantoux or other TB test
-
Pregnant women
-
People with a significantly weakened immune system
-
People receiving chemotherapy or certain immunosuppressive treatments
-
Babies who may have an immune-system disorder
-
Anyone with a previous severe allergic reaction to a vaccine ingredient
Vaccination may need to be postponed if the patient has a high temperature, is acutely unwell or has a skin infection affecting the proposed injection area.
The doctor will check for contraindications before administering the vaccine.
Why Choose The Blackheath Clinic?
Patients choose our private BCG vaccination service because we offer:
Appointments for babies, children and eligible adults
Assessment and vaccination by an experienced doctor
Clear advice before and after vaccination
Convenient private appointments
Vaccination documentation and Red Book updates
